The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some of the biggest cricketing superstars don different jerseys over the years. However, few associations have been as iconic as Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Since the inaugural season in 2008, Kohli has remained RCB’s talisman, amassing runs, leading the franchise, and creating unforgettable memories. But what if history had taken a different turn? What if Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) had signed Kohli in 2008 instead? Let’s dive into this fascinating alternate reality.
The 2008 IPL Auction: A Sliding Doors Moment
During the first-ever IPL auction, Delhi Daredevils had the chance to rope in Virat Kohli, who was fresh off leading India to victory in the U-19 World Cup. However, RCB, under the leadership of Dr. Vijay Mallya, secured Kohli as part of the U-19 draft picks, a decision that shaped the course of the franchise’s history. Meanwhile, Delhi picked Pradeep Sangwan, a promising left-arm pacer, instead.
Had Delhi opted for Kohli instead, RCB’s fortunes—and possibly Kohli’s own career trajectory—might have looked vastly different.
Early Years: Kohli Under the Delhi Setup
If Kohli had joined Delhi in 2008, he would have shared the dressing room with legends like Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and AB de Villiers. Unlike RCB, which gave him consistent opportunities early on, Delhi’s squad was packed with established batters. Kohli might have found it harder to break into the playing XI regularly.
However, under the guidance of Gambhir and Sehwag, Kohli would have honed his aggressive stroke play and potentially flourished under Delhi’s leadership structure. With Delhi’s knack for nurturing young talent, Kohli could have become the face of the franchise much earlier than he did with RCB.
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Captaincy and Franchise Legacy
RCB handed over the captaincy reins to Kohli in 2013, allowing him to develop as a leader. But would Delhi have followed a similar path? Given that Gambhir was an established leader and later returned to captain Delhi, Kohli might have had to wait longer for a leadership role.
By the late 2010s, Delhi started investing heavily in young Indian talent, a transition led by Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. If Kohli had been their mainstay, he might have been the franchise’s long-term captain, potentially leading them to their maiden IPL trophy much earlier.
Delhi’s Championship Potential with Kohli
Delhi Capitals have had one of the most formidable squads in recent IPL seasons, reaching the final in 2020. If Kohli had been part of their setup since 2008, the franchise might have built around him much sooner, leading to a title-winning combination.
Pairing up with bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, alongside an explosive batting lineup featuring Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, and Prithvi Shaw, Kohli could have been the missing piece in Delhi’s puzzle for IPL glory. His leadership, combined with Delhi’s squad depth, might have resulted in multiple IPL titles.
RCB Without Kohli: A Different Reality
On the flip side, RCB without Kohli would have been a completely different entity. The team, which has often been defined by Kohli’s passion and individual brilliance, might have built around different players, possibly making AB de Villiers their long-term captain. The franchise’s search for a stable Indian batting core could have taken a different route, with someone else filling Kohli’s massive shoes.
Conclusion: What Could Have Been
While the idea of Kohli in a Delhi jersey is intriguing, his loyalty and journey with RCB have been legendary. His impact on the franchise, both as a player and as a leader, is unparalleled. However, if Delhi had secured him in 2008, it’s possible that both Kohli and the Capitals could have rewritten IPL history.
But as cricket fans, we can only wonder—what if?
