Virat Kohli has shown strong support for Rajat Patidar, the newly appointed captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressing confidence in his leadership potential. Patidar, who was one of the three players retained by RCB before the 2025 IPL mega-auction, was recently announced as Faf du Plessis’ successor.
Speaking at the RCB Unbox event in Bengaluru, Kohli praised Patidar’s abilities, stating,
“He is an incredible talent and a fantastic player, but beyond that, he has a great mindset. I believe he will lead this team successfully for a long time and take RCB forward.”
Patidar’s Captaincy Journey
Although Patidar is stepping into the role of IPL captain for the first time, he has already gained leadership experience. Before his RCB appointment, he captained Madhya Pradesh in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, guiding the team to the final. His personal performance in the tournament was remarkable—scoring 428 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 186.08, with 27 sixes, the second-highest in the competition.
At the unveiling event, Patidar shared his excitement about leading RCB, drawing inspiration from cricketing legends. He said,
“I have always admired players like Virat bhai, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, who have been part of RCB. Growing up, I loved this franchise, and now getting the opportunity to captain one of the biggest T20 teams is a huge honor.”
De Villiers’ Advice for Patidar
Former RCB star AB de Villiers, who played alongside Patidar in IPL 2021, offered insights into the challenges of captaincy. He pointed out that Patidar will have to navigate the pressure of stepping into the shoes of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli.
“His biggest challenge will be self-doubt. He may often wonder, ‘Am I making the right decisions? What would Virat do?’ But he must trust his instincts. Having experienced mentors like Virat and head coach Andy Flower is valuable, but he should stay true to his own leadership style.”
RCB Coach Andy Flower on Why Patidar Was Chosen
During the captaincy announcement, RCB head coach Andy Flower highlighted three key qualities that made Patidar the ideal choice for the leadership role:
- Calm and Composed Nature – “Rajat has a natural calmness and simplicity, which will help him manage the pressure of leading in the IPL.”
- Strong Team Bonding – “Though he is a quiet individual, he genuinely cares about his teammates. His ability to build strong relationships will earn him respect in the dressing room.”
- Resilient and Determined – “He has a stubborn streak, a strong mindset, and a fearless approach to the game. These traits will help him handle the highs and lows of the tournament.”
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar to see how he shapes the future of Royal Challengers Bengaluru under his captaincy.