Royal Challengers Bangalore’s fairytale IPL 2025 triumph after an 18-year wait will always be remembered as a season where teamwork finally overshadowed years of individual brilliance. While Virat Kohli’s tears of joy became the defining image of the victory, much of the spotlight has now shifted to RCB’s bold captaincy call — handing the reins to Rajat Patidar.
RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, revealed that this decision was neither impulsive nor post-auction improvisation. The plan had been brewing since 2024 when Patidar’s leadership qualities caught the management’s attention during domestic cricket. In fact, Bobat admitted that he had nudged Madhya Pradesh to give Patidar a taste of captaincy in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His calm presence, ability to handle pressure, and growing maturity with the bat convinced the management that he could lead a side of seasoned campaigners.
The big twist came when RCB decided not to pursue an experienced captain in the mega-auction, despite retaining stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal. Many anticipated a dramatic return of Kohli as skipper, but the franchise instead threw its weight behind Patidar. Bobat confirmed that Kohli’s support was central to the move.
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“We spoke with Virat Kohli that Rajat Patidar was going to be new to captaincy. And Virat said, ‘Look, 100% I’m there to help. It’s in all of our interests if Rajat succeeds.’ It was brilliant to have Virat’s blessing, because his presence is irreplaceable in our setup,” Mo Bobat said in an exclusive chat with Cricbuzz.
Kohli’s guidance, along with the collective experience of the squad, ensured Patidar never felt isolated in his new role. A week before the final, senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar even remarked that the side was so balanced and seasoned that Patidar’s job was made easier. That balance reflected in the season — Kohli, Tim David, Phil Salt, and Jitesh Sharma contributed vital runs, while Bhuvneshwar and Josh Hazlewood consistently dismantled opposition with the ball.
In the end, Patidar scripted history by becoming the first RCB captain to lift the IPL trophy. In 17 previous seasons, legends like Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Kohli, and Faf du Plessis had come close but faltered. Patidar, though not the most aggressive tactician, made smart referrals, backed his teammates with conviction, and chipped in with crucial middle-order runs.
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Jitesh Sharma even emerged as his deputy in certain phases, showcasing the depth of leadership within the squad. For RCB fans, the 2025 title was more than just a trophy — it was vindication that the team had finally found the right blend of youth, experience, and trust. And at the heart of it all was a young captain backed wholeheartedly by Virat Kohli, who reminded the world once again why he is the soul of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
