Virat Kohli backs Rajat Patidar as RCB’s captain, says he is going to lead the franchise for a long time

Royal Challengers Bengaluru superstar Virat Kohli has put his weight behind Rajat Patidar to shine as the franchise’s captain. Kohli backed Patidar to lead RCB for a long time and deliver the goods for the franchise.

It was reported that Kohli could once again take the captaincy baton after the franchise decided to release former skipper Faf du Plessis ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction. However, head coach Andy Flower and RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat backed Rajat Patidar as their new leader.

Patidar led Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and also led his state team to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. But this will be the first time when he will lead an IPL team and it is going to be challenging for him.

“The guy who is going to come next, is the guy who is going to lead you for a long time. Give him all the love you can. He is an amazing talent, a great player we have all seen that but he’s got a great head on his shoulders. He’ll do a great job for this amazing franchise and take the team forward. He’s got everything that is required,” Kohli said while introducing Rajat Patidar to the fans on RCB unbox event at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Patidar scored 396 runs in 13 innings in IPL 2024 at a blistering strike rate of 177.13 and thus played an instrumental role in taking the franchise to the playoffs.

Patidar has an impressive game against the spinners in the middle overs and he would look to lead from the front.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.

RCB squad for IPL 2025:

Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara.

Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma.

All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell.

Fast bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh.

Spinners: Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee.