The suspense around Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) new captain finally ended as the franchise finally announced their skipper with just few days to the start of 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. While rumors initially pointed towards Virat Kohli reclaiming the captaincy, the franchise surprised many by announcing Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the IPL 2025, which is set to get underway from March 21.
Rajat Patidar becomes RCB's new captaincy
Kohli was considered the leading candidate for the captaincy, particularly after his substantial Rs 21 crore retention before the IPL auction. However, several reports earlier suggested that Kohli isn't interested for the captaincy role. The franchise reportedly held several discussions with Kohli about the captaincy, ultimately reaching a mutual agreement to appoint someone else to the role.
Why Rajat Patidar was preferred over Virat Kohli for RCB's captaincy role
Virat Kohli served as RCB's captain from 2011 to 2021 before voluntarily stepping down. While he did briefly return to captain the team in a few games when Faf du Plessis was injured, it's possible that Kohli simply didn't wish to resume the full-time captaincy, having previously chosen to relinquish the role.
Meanwhile, RCB's head coach Andy Flower talked about the bold decision and revealed three main reasons behind appointing Patidar as franchise's new captain. He said that Patidar has the calmness and simplicity which is needed in the IPL. Another reason he cited that 31-year-old star batter is quiet but he cares about the people around him.
"Three main things to share. First, there is a calmness and simplicity that is needed in the IPL. It will serve him really well. The second thing, he's quiet but he cares about the people he's around. That means he will instantly have the respect and care of other people, and as a leader, people will follow behind him. The third, he has a stubborn and steeliness about him. You see it in the way he plays, takes on the game," Flower said during an event which was staged to announce RCB's new captain.
"In our discussions with Virat, I thought the integrity and maturity that he showed over the subject were of the highest calibre. One of the things that stood out was the energy and enthusiasm he has for the upcoming season. You saw in the video earlier the authenticity with which he spoke. He was a huge part of turning the season around (IPL 2024) for us. That experience with him last season only made my respect for him grow. I have got only good things to say about him," he added.
RCB's full squad for IPL 2025:
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (captain), Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.