“Virat Doesn’t Need a Captaincy Title to Lead”: RCB Director Mo Bobat on New Skipper Rajat Patidar

RCB embraces a new era as Rajat Patidar takes charge ahead of IPL 2025

Bengaluru, February 14: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Director of Cricket Mo Bobat has stated that Virat Kohli doesn’t need a captaincy title to lead the franchise, as the team unveiled Rajat Patidar as their new captain for IPL 2025.

In a major shake-up for the Red and Gold brigade, 31-year-old Patidar, who has been a pivotal part of both RCB and Madhya Pradesh’s success, was handed the leadership role for the upcoming season. The decision was made despite Kohli being an option, marking a fresh approach by the franchise.

Why Rajat Patidar Over Virat Kohli?

Speaking at the event where Patidar was announced as captain, Bobat acknowledged that while fans would have initially leaned towards Kohli, the response towards Patidar’s elevation has also been overwhelmingly positive.

“Of course, Virat was an option, that goes without saying. I know the fans would have probably leaned towards Virat in the first instance, but we’ve seen a lot of love for Rajat too,” Bobat was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

However, he emphasized that Kohli’s leadership instincts remain unmatched, and his influence in the dressing room will continue to be invaluable.

“Virat doesn’t need a captaincy title to lead. Leadership is one of his strongest instincts, and it comes naturally to him. He leads regardless,” Bobat added.

Virat Kohli’s Role in the Leadership Transition

Bobat revealed that Kohli was actively involved in the discussions that led to Patidar’s appointment.

“Andy [Flower, head coach] and I spent some time with Virat in Ahmedabad earlier this week, and it was great to talk things through with him about the captaincy. What was so obvious was his energy and excitement for this decision. He is really pleased for Rajat and knows how deserving he is of this opportunity,” Bobat said.

He further added that RCB’s leadership group—including former captain Faf du Plessis—will continue to lean on Kohli for guidance throughout the tournament.

“Everybody knows Virat is a leader in every sense of the word. Andy and I lean on him a lot, Faf has leaned on him a lot, and we’re sure Rajat will do the same.”

Rajat Patidar’s Rise & Captaincy Credentials

Patidar’s captaincy experience with Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket played a crucial role in RCB’s decision. He led MP to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in 2023, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament with 428 runs in 10 matches, boasting a 61.14 average and a strike rate over 186.

Since 2022, Patidar has been one of RCB’s standout Indian players, scoring 799 runs in 24 innings at a strike rate of 158.84. His memorable century in the IPL 2022 eliminator against LSG made him the first uncapped player to score a hundred in the playoffs.

In IPL 2024, he played a key role in RCB’s late resurgence, scoring 395 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 177+, including five half-centuries.

While his international career is still in its early stages, he has already played one ODI and three Tests for India, making his debut against South Africa in December 2023.

What This Means for RCB in IPL 2025

With Patidar at the helm, RCB is embracing a bold new approach while retaining Kohli as the guiding force. The move could signal a shift towards investing in younger Indian talent while continuing to rely on the experience of senior players like Kohli, du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell.

RCB fans will now be eager to see how Patidar leads the side when IPL 2025 kicks off, and whether he can bring the elusive trophy to Bengaluru.