In a powerful and emotional conversation on the latest RCB podcast, Virat Kohli revealed that the pressure of captaincy and expectations had pushed him to his breaking point — so much so that he even considered switching IPL teams during the peak of his career.

The RCB icon, who has played every IPL season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, admitted that the phase between 2016 and 2019 was one of the most difficult periods of his life as both India’s and RCB’s captain.

“I Didn’t Know What to Do”: Kohli on Mental Struggles

Speaking with host Mayanti Langer, Kohli shared:

“There was a time I didn’t know what to do. I was exposed 24×7. Captaining India for 7–8 years and RCB for 9 years, combined with constant scrutiny and expectations from my batting — it got really tough.”

“I decided that if I wanted to continue, I needed to be happy. I wanted to play my cricket without being judged.”

Kohli Stepped Away to Protect His Peace

Kohli stepped down from RCB captaincy after IPL 2021, and shortly after gave up India’s T20I captaincy. He was removed from ODI leadership later that year, and in January 2022, he quit as India’s Test captain following a series loss in South Africa.

This marked the end of an intense leadership era for Kohli and the beginning of a more self-focused chapter in his cricketing journey.

Kohli on RCB: “This Is My Home”

Despite considering a switch, Kohli said the idea never truly tempted him.

“I wouldn’t say I was tempted, but I did think about it. I asked myself — ‘Do I want to start fresh in a new setup?’ But the relationship I’ve built with RCB, the mutual respect, meant more to me.”

“Whether we win or don’t win, this is my home,” Kohli added, reaffirming his emotional connection with the franchise.

Kohli’s honesty gives fans a rare look into the mental health pressures top athletes face, and how choosing emotional well-being over performance is sometimes the bravest decision of all.

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