The much-awaited captaincy announcement of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) men’s team disappointed a certain set of RCB fans, expecting Virat Kohli to return to the captain’s role. A new twist is added to the drama ahead of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the franchise unveils Rajat Patidar as the new skipper.
Mo Bobat —The team director of RCB clarifies the reason behind appointing Patidar as a captain rather than Kohli, who led RCB in 143 matches since the 2013 IPL season. The 2021 edition was the last stint for the 36-year-old as the team’s full-time captain. Also, he led the team in three games of the 2023 season when Faf du Plessis was injured and had to participate as an impact player.
Why Rajat Patidar was made RCB Captain? RCB Director Reveals the Reason
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Mo Bobat explained that even though Rajat Patidar is captain, Virat Kohli would continue to play the leadership role. He emphasized that Virat Kohli boasting immense experience and popularity doesn’t require the official captaincy tag:
“Certainly! Kohli was one of the options. But, his vast professional experience and influence wouldn’t require a title. He always remains to be the skipper in the dressing room. Moreover, the leadership qualities portray one of his strongest traits that comes to him naturally.
Having won several games for the team, he is well aware of how to lead the squad by setting a perfect tone on the field. His energy exhibited out on the field is truly remarkable. So, Virat is a true leader in all ways,” Bobat said.
Valuable Chance for Patidar to Learn From Kohli in IPL 2025
The RCB director is confident that despite Kohli not being appointed as the next season’s captain, Patidar has much to learn from him, in a similar way his predecessor Faf du Plessis had to do:
“Yeah! Me (Mo Bobat) and Andy (head coach Andy Flower) rely on him a lot. Also, Faf leaned on him a lot. Every individual in the nation and worldwide is aware of Virat’s role as a leader.
I’m confident that Patidar will understand this, too. We are sure that he too would be relying on him. You need to know that Kohli was satisfied and pleased with the decision. This is because he recognized Rajat’s deserving qualifications for the leadership role,” Bobat added.
Mo Bobat Praises Virat Kohli’s On-Field Skills
Furthermore, Bobat applauds Kohli’s excellence on-field which sets an example for other players in the RCB squad:
“YES! Once again I need to say that he sets the tone and leads the players on the field. I remember two to three particular instances where he converted difficult situations into opportunities by getting the opponents dismissed either through runouts or grabbing their wickets.
Every player on the field realizes that they need to be upto their standards due to his presence. Most of us might have noticed the way he enjoys competing and accepting new challenges. He is one such talented guy who desires to help the team win in tough situations.
Most often, people won’t notice his professionalism. The way he undergoes rigorous practices attends training sessions, maintains gym routines, his lifestyle, diet, etc., is a perfect example set by him.
But, you need to accept the fact that he is a true professional. Even under Faf’s captaincy last year, he led the batting unit from the front, piling huge runs at an impressive strike rate, which is important for our team,” the RCB director said.
Rajat Patidar’s Experience as Limited Overs Captain
Having led Madhya Pradesh till the finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024-25, Rajat Patidar’s composed nature on the field prompts RCB management to appoint him as the team’s next captain for the 18th season.
Virat Kohli Wholeheartedly congratulates Rajat Patidar for becoming RCB Captain
Recently, former RCB captain Virat Kohli speaking on RCB Bold Diaries said that Rajat Patidar deserved the captaincy. The right-handed veteran batter praised the way the 31-year-old has grown up with the franchise and secured a place among all RCB fans. Kohli promised that he and the entire team would support the youngster in his new role.
Final Opinion:
Rajat Patidar takes over the leadership role as the fourth Indian to lead RCB following the examples set by Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble.
Not only several fans but also the former cricketers were left in a state of shock as it was expected Kohli would claim back the helm after Faf du Plessis parted ways with the franchise.
Although Virat and Faf’s captaincy has been valuable to RCB, a fresh strategy signals a new era for the team under Patidar’s captaincy.
Overall, Mo Bobat believes that Kohli’s presence would guide Patidar to grow stronger as a leader in a similar way MS Dhoni nurtured the new Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the previous season.