Virat Kohli Backs Rajat Patidar as RCB’s New Captain

February 13, 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has entered a new chapter with the appointment of Rajat Patidar as the franchise’s captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The announcement has been met with resounding support from former RCB captain, Virat Kohli, who expressed his confidence in Patidar’s leadership abilities.

In a heartfelt video shared on RCB’s official social media handle, Kohli wished Patidar all the best for his new role. The former RCB captain assured Patidar of the full backing of the team, further emphasizing the young batter’s growth and commitment to the franchise.

“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat,” Kohli said in the video, offering his full support to Patidar. “The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”

Patidar, known for his solid batting performances, now faces the exciting yet challenging task of leading RCB to IPL glory. His appointment continues the rich legacy of leadership at the club, following in the footsteps of cricketing icons such as Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis. With Kohli’s endorsement and the squad’s backing, Patidar’s leadership journey promises to be one full of expectation and potential.

Patidar brings valuable captaincy experience to the role, having captained the Madhya Pradesh (MP) team across all formats. Under his leadership in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, MP made a strong run to the finals, with Patidar himself amassing 428 runs in 10 matches at an average of 61.14 and a strike rate of over 186.

Known for his excellent technique against spin and his ability to strike big sixes, Patidar has emerged as one of RCB’s standout Indian players since his debut in 2022. He has scored 799 runs in 24 IPL innings at an average of 34.73 and a strike rate of 158.84, which includes a century and seven fifties. His brilliant century in the IPL 2022 eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants remains one of the most memorable knocks, as Patidar became the first uncapped player to score a century in an IPL playoff match.

In the 2023 season, Patidar’s fiery performances were key to RCB’s late surge into the playoffs. He scored 395 runs in 13 matches at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of 177, including five fifties.

Patidar has also represented India in limited-overs cricket, making his ODI debut in 2023 against South Africa and playing a notable knock of 22 runs. However, his recent Test outings have seen struggles, with a modest tally of 63 runs from six innings against England.

Now, with RCB’s leadership mantle resting on his shoulders, Patidar will aim to build on the franchise’s rich legacy and guide the team towards their first IPL title. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how he embraces this responsibility and leads RCB into the 2025 season with the goal of securing that elusive IPL trophy.

With the backing of his teammates, former captain Kohli, and the entire RCB family, Patidar’s leadership journey has begun, and all eyes will be on how he rises to the challenge in the upcoming IPL season.