Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain, ushering in a fresh era for the franchise. He takes over from Faf du Plessis and is eager to embrace the challenge. Aware of the high expectations, Patidar is turning to Virat Kohli for leadership guidance.
“I’m not very expressive, but I always stay aware of match situations. It’s crucial to support my players and stand with them in every circumstance,” Patidar shared at a press conference. His goal is to create a strong, supportive team environment where every player feels confident and motivated.
Learning Leadership from Virat Kohli
Patidar values the experience available in RCB’s dressing room and sees Kohli as a key mentor.
“We have a strong group of leaders whose experience will help me grow. Learning from Kohli, one of the best in cricket, is a great opportunity,” he stated.
Having built a solid batting partnership with Kohli, Patidar believes their chemistry will only strengthen under his captaincy.
“I know him well, and I look forward to continuing our partnership,” he added.
Rajat Patidar Journey to RCB Captaincy
RCB had been considering its next captain for some time, and Patidar was part of those discussions. However, he wanted to gain more leadership experience before stepping into the demanding role.
“During my conversation with Mo Bobat last year, he asked if I was interested in captaining RCB. I told him I wanted to first gain experience by leading my state team,” Patidar revealed.
He later captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. These experiences gave him the confidence to take on RCB’s leadership role.
Was Virat Kohli Considered for Captaincy Again?
RCB head coach Andy Flower explained the captaincy decision and why he chose Patidar. While speculation surrounded Kohli’s return as captain, the management believed Patidar was the right fit to lead the team forward.
As IPL 2025 approaches, fans eagerly await Patidar’s leadership in action. Will his captaincy bring a new strategic approach? With support from veterans like Kohli and Du Plessis, he aims to make a strong impact and lead RCB toward their long-awaited IPL title.
