Virat Kohli Reflects on Overcoming Pressure During His Captaincy Tenure

Kohli Discusses the Strain of Dual Leadership Roles

Virat Kohli has shared insights into one of the most challenging periods of his career, revealing how the demands of leading both the Indian national team and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) from 2016 to 2019 became overwhelming.

In a recent episode of the RCB podcast, Kohli expressed that the immense expectations, constant scrutiny, and the weight of leadership made him contemplate stepping back, not only from his captaincy role but also from RCB.

“I've mentioned this before — I had chances to explore other options, especially during my peak years. Between 2016 and 2019, there were persistent suggestions for me to make a change. At one point, it became incredibly difficult due to the overwhelming circumstances. I had been leading India for 7-8 years and RCB for 9 years, and there were expectations for me to perform in every match.”

This timeframe coincided with some of Kohli's most impressive batting performances, yet he felt mentally drained. The pressure was unyielding, both on and off the field.

“I never felt like the spotlight was off me. I was always in a state of uncertainty. I was under constant exposure, and it became really challenging. I realized that if I wanted to remain in this environment, I needed to find happiness. I wanted to play cricket without the fear of judgment.”

“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘯𝘰𝘸! 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘏𝘖𝘔𝘌. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦… pic.twitter.com/n0DErxgonp

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 6, 2025

Kohli's Commitment to RCB

After the 2021 season, Kohli stepped down as captain of RCB and eventually from leadership roles in all formats for India. During the podcast, he acknowledged that he considered leaving RCB entirely but never felt compelled to act on that thought.

“I wouldn’t say I was tempted, but I did contemplate it. I asked myself, 'What holds more value for me?' I’ve achieved a lot with India and received numerous accolades.”

He evaluated his choices, but the connection with RCB transcended mere professionalism. Ultimately, it was the sense of belonging that made his decision straightforward.

“I had to decide: do I want to enter a new environment and start from scratch? That’s when I realized that the relationships I’ve built here are invaluable — as is the mutual respect developed over the years. Now, I’m committed to seeing it through. Whether we win or lose, it’s okay. This is my home.”

Also READ: "We want you to play that way": Kohli shares Dhoni's message during his India debut

RCB first acquired Kohli in 2008, and since then, he has been a pivotal figure for the team, leading them to three finals but falling short of victory. With the current squad beginning to gel, IPL 2025 could be the year RCB and Kohli finally secure that elusive championship.