Virat Kohli shared his excitement after being picked by RCB in the 2008 IPL auction for INR 20 lakh. At 19, he felt surreal after being sold, marking the beginning of his legendary journey with the team. Kohli, now RCB’s all-time run-scorer, reflected on the intense rivalry with CSK, especially in Bengaluru, where CSK fans bring added energy to the matches.
Virat Kohli Recalls His IPL 2008 Auction Emotions and His Journey with RCB

Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest cricketers, recently opened up about his emotions after being picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2008 IPL auction. At just 19, Kohli was part of the first-ever IPL auction, where he was sold for INR 20 lakh, an amount that felt surreal to the young cricketer, who had just led India to a U-19 World Cup victory. Kohli recalled the excitement in Kuala Lumpur, where he was with his family, and the unexpected feeling of being part of the IPL’s inaugural season. “We went crazy in the corridor — ‘We got Rs 20 lakhs!’” he said, describing the moment.
This marked the beginning of an extraordinary IPL journey, where Virat Kohli has remained a one-franchise player, becoming RCB’s most iconic figure. With 8447 IPL runs and eight centuries to his name, Kohli has built a remarkable legacy. Reflecting on the fierce rivalry with CSK, Kohli shared how playing against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru adds extra intensity, with numerous CSK fans traveling to support their team. Kohli’s IPL story is nothing short of legendary, as he continues to shine for RCB with each passing season.
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