Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli on Monday remembered former franchise director Vijay Mallya for picking him in the team and providing an opportunity to rub shoulders with the world's best players.
"My association with RCB has been special as it has been exciting from the first season. I was chosen to play for RCB by Mr Mallya. I have learnt so much and getting to play with the world's best players. I am welcomed here warmly, I love this franchise, the city, fans, deep connection," he said.
Mallya, who has defaulted in loans in excess of `9000 crore, is facing probe by various investigative agencies. The 60-year-old bought RCB in 2008 but the popular franchise has not been able to win a single Indian Premier league title in eight attempts.
Mallya had resigned from the post of Director of Royal Challengers Sports Private limited (RCSPl) before anointing United Spirits limited President and Chief Marketing Officer Amrit Thomas as the new chairman of RCB.
Replying to a query, Kohli said even though the team has the feelings of not lifting the title for the last eight seasons, the team takes pride in being among the top three teams.
"There is always a feeling that we haven't been able to lift the title having been runners-up twice. That is one hurdle we haven't been able to cross despite wanting to, but as a team, we have been among top three," he said.
On Mitchel Starc's absence, Kohli said the team would miss the Aussie pacer, but they have Shane Watson who is economical as he thinks like a batsman, and also Harshal Patel, Adam Milne to form a good bowling attack.
Asked about the batting spots of Shane Watson and AB de Villiers, Kohli said: "We have discussed but would not like to disclose. We got so many options. Getting the right field, where to bat. We need to find the comfort level ... Conditions and teams we are playing," he said.