Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes it will be challenging for Rajat Patidar to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025. Singh said former RCB captain Virat Kohli is often the cynosure of all eyes at the franchise and thus it will be crucial for Patidar to stamp his authority on the team.

This will be the first time when Patidar will lead any franchise in the IPL. Earlier in the 2024 season, Patidar led Madhya Pradesh to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and played a key role in the team’s success.

The right-hander also led MP in the Vijay Hazare trophy in the previous season. However, the Turbanator reckons leading RCB will be a different cup of tea for Patidar.

Harbhajan Singh said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Patidar has the pressure of expectations because they haven’t won a single season. You have to live up to it, and play your own game, too. Everything revolves around Virat Kohli there. He also has to ensure that he has a good season. RCB have appointed Patidar for five seasons, but if this one doesn’t go well, we will see where he will stand.”

The former spinner from Punjab reckons leading an IPL side is more difficult than leading the national team.

“For someone like Patidar, it will be a huge challenge. To captain a big team like that, it’s not going to be easy to take decisions. Who will play, who will bowl at what point… he hasn’t led a side before. People think leading India is the most difficult thing, but I think it’s even tougher leading a franchise, because I have done it,” said Harbhajan.

Patidar scored 395 runs in 15 matches of IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 177.13 and thus played an instrumental role in taking RCB to the playoffs.

RCB will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 22.