IPL 2021: AB de Villiers tells Virat Kohli, ‘some umpires will sleep better’ after last game as RCB captain

Virat Kohli had said before the start of the UAE leg of the IPL that he would be stepping down as RCB captain at the end of the season. 

Virat Kohli will never be able to understand the kind of impact he has had on Royal Challengers Bangalore while leading the side, said AB de Villiers of his longstanding IPL teammate, in a rich tribute. Kohli’s nine-year stint as skipper of the RCB ended with a four-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders in the eliminator of the 2021 Indian Premier League at Sharjah on Monday (October 11). During their eliminator against KKR, on-field umpire Virender Sharma came under fire from the RCB captain after a poor lbw decision during the Knight Riders innings.

“You have done a great job, but that book is not finished yet. Whatever you have done for us, we won't forget it. Thanks for all the memories, and I think some of the umpires will sleep a bit better, very happy for them,” De Villiers said on a lighter note, referring to that particular call by the umpire.

On his part, Kohli thanked his teammates and said they can ‘hold their heads high’. “Not the result we wanted but I am so proud of the character shown by the boys throughout the tournament. A disappointing end but we can hold our heads high. Thank you to all the fans, management & the support staff for your constant support,” Kohli wrote on his Twitter handle.