When Delhi Decided Not To Sign Virat Kohli In IPL Auction 2008

image-lq546gq2On April 18, 2008, Virat Kohli played his first IPL match.(x.com)

In a surprising revelation, former IPL Chief Operating Officer Sundar Raman shared insights into a crucial moment in Virat Kohli's cricketing journey. Despite leading India to a U-19 World Cup triumph in 2008, the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) made the strategic decision not to pick up the young batting sensation in the IPL 2008 auction. 

DD decided against the signing of Kohli

Raman disclosed that the franchise, which already boasted the likes of Virender Sehwag and AB de Villiers, felt they had sufficient batting firepower and opted for bowler Pradeep Sangwan instead.


“Delhi passed on him, actually, and picked Pradeep Sangwan instead, because they said they didn’t need another batsman. And they didn’t actually, they had Virender Sehwag and AB de Villiers. They were right in their thinking, but RCB picked him up and the rest, as they say, is history,” revealed Sundar Raman in a recent podcast.

Delhi Daredevils' decision proved pivotal for Virat Kohli, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) astutely signed the budding talent. Little did Delhi Daredevils know that they had let go of a future cricketing legend, who would go on to become the face of RCB for nearly a decade.


Virat Kohli's Evolution into an IPL Icon with RCB

Following his exclusion from Delhi Daredevils, Virat Kohli found a home in the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp during the 2008 IPL season. This association has proved to be a match made in cricketing heaven, as Kohli not only became the franchise's highest-paid player but also etched his name in IPL history.

Kohli's journey with RCB has been defined by unwavering performances, establishing him as a vital team asset. Despite RCB's elusive IPL title, Kohli's on-field influence and exceptional leadership have cemented his position as the franchise's most invaluable player.

Former IPL COO Sundar Raman emphasized the significance of Delhi Daredevils' decision, stating:

"They were right in their thinking, but RCB picked him up, and the rest, as they say, is history." 

This history includes Kohli's impressive IPL statistics – 7263 runs in 237 matches with an average of 37.2, complemented by five centuries.

As RCB's batting mainstay, Kohli's contribution extends beyond the runs he scores. He stands as a beacon for aspiring cricketers, revered for his exceptional leadership skills and unwavering commitment to the team. Despite RCB's elusive IPL title under his captaincy, Kohli's profound influence on the league remains undeniable.

As the cricketing world gears up for the IPL 2024 mini-auction scheduled on December 19 in Dubai, anticipation is building around which team will discover the next local talent or potentially overlook a future star.