Virat Kohli expressed his joy and gratitude on Thursday after being retained by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming three-year cycle, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Kohli said in a video, posted on social media, “I am sending out this message to inform everyone that I have been retained by RCB once again for the three-year cycle of the IPL, beginning next year and I am extremely excited as ever.” 

Kohli, retained for Rs 21 crore, was one of the three players to be retained by RCB, with Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore) and Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore) being the other two.

The 35-year-old batsman, who has been with RCB since the inception of IPL, said that the relationship with the franchise has been ‘truly special’ and he does not see himself for any other (IPL) team in the future.

“Obviously, the goal is to win the title at least once in the next cycle and we are going to give our best shot as always and try and make everyone proud of the way we play our cricket,” Kohli added.