Leading RCB has helped Kohli in his international career: Agarkar

Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) remain the only unbeaten team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, having won all their three matches so far. For years, RCB and their fans have been left disappointed as the franchise, which has always boasted of big names has failed to live up to the hype. However, if there is someone that has benefitted from RCB, is their captain, Kohli, according to former India pacer Ajit Agarkar.

Agarkar reckons, being the captain of RCB - a position that Kohli has held since 2013 - has helped him become a better player at the international level. 

"We saw how quick his progress in international cricket has been. So, when you do well there, you are already confident, but then, to be captain of a franchise with such a big fan base, and be as consistent as he is, it certainly helped. You're under pressure every day when you go out to play for RCB. Playing for India is just as big or bigger, but you still are under pressure day in and day out," said Agarkar in Star Sports' show 'Cricket Connected'.

"When you keep getting runs, you know your psyche is just built and you are at ease with your game and he has done that. I think being captain and getting runs certainly has helped him in his international career as well. I'm sure he'd say that IPL has had a huge say on his career as overall as it has panned out," he added.

The closest RCB have gotten to winning the IPL title under Kohli was in 2016, when they made it to the final, a season in which Kohli amassed 973 runs, which included as many as five centuries.  Before 2016, RCB made it to the final twice - in 2009 and in 2011 - losing to Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings respectively - before finishing second best to Sunrisers Hyderabad.