Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) recently named star batter Rajat Patidar as their new captain ahead of the 2025 IPL season. The decision to appoint the 31-year-old as the team’s leader has been backed by Virat Kohli, who believes Patidar has the potential to guide RCB for years to come. Speaking at the RCB Unbox event in Bengaluru, Kohli expressed his confidence in Patidar’s leadership abilities.
The RCB batting icon stated that the franchise is in safe hands with a fresh leader taking charge. He also highlighted that Patidar will lead the team for an extended period and achieve great success.
“Patidar is an incredible talent. He is a fantastic player, as we all know, but he also possesses a sharp cricketing mind. He will do a phenomenal job for this exceptional franchise and propel the team forward. He has all the qualities needed for the role and will lead you all for a long time,” Virat Kohli said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Rajat Patidar was among RCB’s three retentions ahead of the 2025 IPL mega auction and has now been entrusted with the captaincy. Consistently excelling in domestic cricket, his leadership skills were evident when he guided Madhya Pradesh to the final of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 428 runs in nine innings at a striking rate of 186.08. Patidar acknowledged RCB’s rich history and the inspiration he draws from its former legends.
“Legends like Virat bhai, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle have represented RCB. I grew up watching them. From the beginning, I have deeply admired this franchise. I am thrilled to take on this new responsibility and lead one of the most prestigious teams in T20 cricket,” he said.
Rajat Patidar biggest challenge will be self-doubt: AB de Villiers
Meanwhile, former RCB star and South African legend AB de Villiers believes Patidar’s greatest challenge will be overcoming self-doubt, but how he handles it will be crucial.
“Rajat Patidar biggest hurdle will be self-doubt, stepping into the massive shoes of captains like Faf and Virat. With Virat around, he might constantly question himself—‘Am I making the right decision? What would Virat do?’ That, I believe, will be his toughest test. He should utilize Virat’s experience, seek guidance from [head coach] Andy Flower, but most importantly, stay true to himself,” De Villiers said during a media session hosted by JioStar.
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