Kohli is a permanent idol and hero for RCB, according to Mo Bobat.

In an interview with RCB Podcast, Mo Bobat, the director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, shared his admiration for Virat Kohli's incredible record over the past 18 years. He expressed his gratitude for the superstar's dedication and commitment to the team, stating that it was the least the think tank could do to provide him with a championship-winning side. After a long wait of 18 years, RCB finally clinched their maiden IPL title last season, making them the defending champions as they enter the upcoming tournament. For Bobat, Kohli will always be the icon and the hero of the team, and rightfully so. His track record speaks for itself, with close to 9,000 runs and eight centuries in the IPL, all while wearing the same jersey for 18 years. Bobat recalled being amazed at Kohli's stats last season, with 500 runs per season for the past 18 years. He emphasized that this was no small feat, as some players would be content with just one 500-run season. Kohli's consistency and determination have been an integral part of RCB's success, and it cannot be ignored. Since 2008, Kohli has been the cornerstone of RCB, scoring over 9,000 runs for the team and establishing himself as the highest scorer in the IPL for a single team. His record-breaking performance in 2016, with 973 runs in a single season, is a testament to his talent and hard work. Bobat discussed the team's focus on building a championship-winning side around Kohli, stating that it was the best way to support and honor him at this stage of his career. He noted that Kohli's desire to keep winning was a driving force for the team, and it didn't take much convincing to get him on board with the team's vision. Last season, RCB won the title under Rajat Patidar's captaincy, who took over from Faf du Plessis before the start of the IPL 2025. Bobat revealed that a lot of thought and consideration went into this decision, as they wanted to make the right choice for the team's long-term success. He praised Faf's leadership and character but explained that they had to consider the reality of his age and stage in his career. Bobat also mentioned the importance of having an Indian captain in the IPL and hinted at Patidar continuing in this role in the near future. He revealed that both himself and head coach Andy Flower had discussed this with Kohli, who was always willing to step up and lead the team when needed. In terms of the upcoming season, Bobat made it clear that RCB was not defending their title, but rather chasing back-to-back wins. He emphasized the team's attacking mindset and their desire to continue their winning streak. The interview concluded with Bobat discussing the team's long-term leadership vision and the responsibility they have to make the right decisions for the franchise's future. He mentioned that Kohli was involved in these discussions and was open to considering other individuals for the captaincy role. Ultimately, the team decided to give Patidar the opportunity to lead, but Kohli's support and guidance would always be valued.