Royal Challengers Bangalore retain Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers for IPL 2014

The Royay Challengers Bangalore have retained three stalwarts of their 2013 squad -- Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers -- for the 2014 edition of the Indian Premier League. New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori has been named as head coach, Trent Woodhill the batting and fielding coach while former South African speedster Allan Donald will be the bowling coach. (IPL 2014: Player retention dilemma and the test mathematics)

According to an official media release by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Indian vice-captain Kohli was delighted by RCB's decision to retain him for the next season and said, "I am happy and honoured to be retained by RCB and it's great to be back to Bangalore, literally my 2nd home now...Am looking forward to working closely with the new Head Coach Dan Vettori. Bowling Coach Allan Donald's experience will add a lot of value. Together with my other retained mates Chris and AB and the rest of the team, I hope to fulfill the faith that RCB and the fans of Bangalore have reposed in me."

"Home Again!! I am happy to be retained by RCB and looking forward to the love and affection... Bangalore, here I come again and let's rock!!!!," said the big-hitting Chris Gayle, who had taken the world by storm with his 66-ball knock of 175 in the 2013 edition of IPL.

South Africa's ODI skipper AB de Villiers too was happy with his team's decision and said, " Honoured to be retained by RCB and extremely happy to be staying in Bangalore. RCB and Bangalore has a special place in my heart and I look forward to contributing to the Team's success, come IPL."

The team's chairman, Vijay Mallya spoke about the trio and said, "This formidable trio of players have contributed significantly to RCB's past performance and are match-winners in their own right. Their retention means that we have a strong platform to build an exceptional team."