Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18 holds significant personal meaning for him. He chose this number in honor of his late father, Prem Kohli, who passed away on December 18, 2006. Since then, the number has become a symbolic connection to his father and a source of motivation in his cricketing journey. Here are more interesting facts about Virat Kohli and his connection with RCB and the jersey number 18.

Virat Kohli: Debut with RCB

Kohli has been a part of Royal Challengers Bangalore since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He was one of the young players signed through the U-19 draft after leading India to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 World Cup.

Joining RCB in 2008

Virat Kohli was drafted into the IPL shortly after leading India to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 World Cup. His impressive leadership and batting performances in the tournament made him one of the most sought-after young players.
RCB secured Kohli as part of the U-19 player draft for just $30,000, a bargain considering his future impact on the franchise.

First IPL Season (2008)

In the inaugural IPL season, Kohli played 13 matches for RCB but had a modest run, scoring 165 runs at an average of 15.
Despite his underwhelming start, the team management recognized his potential and retained him for future seasons.

Growth as a Player

Over the years, Kohli transitioned from a promising U-19 star to one of the mainstays of RCB’s batting lineup. By 2010, he established himself as one of the most consistent performers for the team, finishing the season as RCB’s highest run-scorer with 307 runs.

Foundation of Loyalty

Kohli’s debut season with RCB laid the foundation for his long-term association with the franchise. While many players switched teams over the years, Kohli’s unwavering loyalty to RCB became one of the defining aspects of his IPL career.

Role in RCB’s Journey

Kohli’s early years with RCB coincided with the team’s struggle for consistency. Despite a lack of silverware, his commitment and steady improvement helped RCB become one of the most popular IPL franchises.

His journey with RCB reflects his own growth as a cricketer starting as an inexperienced youngster and transforming into a global cricket icon.

Kohli’s first season might not have been spectacular, but it marked the beginning of a historic association between him and RCB, making him a cornerstone of the team’s identity.

Loyalty to RCB

Kohli is the only player in IPL history to represent a single franchise throughout his career. He has been the face of RCB for over a decade and is celebrated for his loyalty and commitment to the team.

Captaincy Tenure

Kohli captained RCB from 2013 to 2021. Under his leadership, the team reached the IPL finals in 2016, though they fell short of clinching the title. Despite stepping down as captain, he continues to play a pivotal role in the team.

Milestones with RCB

Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, with a significant chunk of those runs coming while playing for RCB.
In the 2016 IPL season, he scored an incredible 973 runs, including 4 centuries, which remains a record for most runs in a single IPL season.

Significance of Number 18

Beyond IPL, Kohli wears the number 18 jersey for the Indian cricket team in all formats. The number has become synonymous with his identity and success as a cricketer.

RCB Fan Favorite

Kohli’s passion for the game, aggressive playing style, and loyalty to RCB have made him a fan favorite. His jersey number 18 is one of the most sold and admired among IPL fans worldwide.

Kohli’s jersey and his performances continue to inspire millions of cricket lovers, making number 18 iconic both in IPL and international cricket.