IPL 2025 is around the corner and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) haven't announced their new captain for the upcoming season yet after Faf Du Plessis' departure. However, RCB legend and former South Africa captain AB De Villiers has thrown his name in the ring for the captaincy role and knows exactly who should be the franchise's next skipper. AB de Villiers believes that Virat Kohli is the ideal choice to lead the RCB in the upcoming season of the glitzy league. De Villiers strongly advocated Kohli's strong leadership qualities and his ability to inspire the current squad in their pursuit of an IPL title.
Virat Kohli is the only option for RCB: AB De Villiers
With Faf du Plessis departing RCB for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 mega auction, the franchise is currently searching for a new captain. While RCB focused on bolstering specific roles during the auction, the leadership question remains a significant concern. De Villiers, in a recent YouTube video, emphasized Kohli's vast experience and influential presence as crucial factors that make him the perfect candidate for the role.
"Friends, I think Virat Kohli is the only option [for RCB’s captaincy choice). He is near the end of his career, more inspired than ever before. Till the time he gets the form, and score runs, we are used to watching him play match-winning innings. It’s like a swansong," de Villiers said.
Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021, and also spearhead them to the 2016 IPL final. It was the same season when Kohli cracked four centuries to earn the Orange Cap. But in a surprising turn of event, he stepped down from the captaincy in 2021. De Villiers believes this could be a fitting end to Kohli's long and loyal association with the franchise.
Kohli's leadership qualities remain unquestioned despite his batting blips recently. Following a century in Perth during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his form dipped, leading to series defeats against New Zealand and Australia. However, he has shown resilience in the past and will aim to regain his form in the upcoming Champions Trophy before focusing on the IPL.
The recent IPL auction saw Faf du Plessis depart from the Royal Challengers Bangalore, leaving a leadership void within the team. This has sparked speculation about a potential return to the captaincy for Virat Kohli, who previously led RCB from 2013 to 2021.
RCB's big buys in IPL 2025 auction
RCB bought a total of 19 players in IPL 2025 mega auction to bolster their squad for the upcoming season which is set to start from March 21. They roped in Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for a hefty sum of Rs. 12.50 crore and England opener Phil Salt for Rs. 11.50 crore.
Moreover, RCB surprised many by acquiring out-of-favor Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a whopping Rs. 10.75 crore. They also added Australian power-hitter Tim David to their roster for Rs. 3 crore, further strengthening their batting lineup.
RCB's full squad for IPL 2025:
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone (Rs. 8.75 crore), Phil Salt (Rs. 11.50 crore), Jitesh Sharma (Rs. 11 crore), Josh Hazlewood (Rs. 12.50 crore), Rasikh Dar (Rs. 6 crore), Suyash Sharma (Rs. 2.60 crore), Krunal Pandya (Rs. 5.75 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Rs. 10.75 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs. 50 lakh), Tim David (Rs. 3 crore), Romario Shepherd (Rs. 1.50 crore), Nuwan Thushara (Rs. 1.60 crore), Manoj Bhandage (Rs. 30 lakh), Jacob Bethell (Rs. 2.60 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (Rs. 2 crore), Swastik Chhikara (Rs. 30 lakh), Lungi Ngidi (Rs. 1 crore), Abhinandan Singh (Rs. 30 lakh), Mohit Rathee (Rs. 30 lakh).