Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entrusted Rajat Patidar with the captaincy for the IPL 2025 season, a decision that has received strong backing from franchise icon Virat Kohli. At the RCB Unbox event in Bengaluru, Kohli expressed confidence in Patidar’s leadership abilities, stating that the 31-year-old possesses the temperament and skills to guide the team successfully for years to come.

“He [Patidar] is an amazing talent. We all know how good a player he is, but what stands out is his temperament. He has a great head on his shoulders, and I have no doubt he will do a fantastic job for this franchise. He has what it takes to lead RCB for a long time,” Virat Kohli said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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Patidar, one of RCB’s three retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, has earned the leadership role through consistent performances in domestic cricket. He showcased his leadership credentials by guiding Madhya Pradesh to the final of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he amassed 428 runs in nine innings at a blistering strike rate of 186.08. Recognizing the weight of responsibility, Patidar acknowledged the legacy of RCB and the inspiration he draws from past stalwarts.

“Legends like Virat bhai, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle have played for RCB. I grew up watching them and have always admired this franchise. Leading one of the biggest teams in T20 cricket is a huge honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Rajat Patidar said.

Meanwhile, former RCB star AB de Villiers highlighted the mental challenge Patidar might face in stepping into the shoes of previous captains like Faf du Plessis and Kohli.

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“Patidar’s biggest challenge will be self-doubt—constantly questioning, ‘Am I making the right decisions? What would Virat do?’ But that’s where he needs to trust himself. He should use the experience of Virat and head coach Andy Flower but remain true to his own leadership style,” AB de Villiers said in a media interaction.

With the endorsement of two of RCB’s greatest players, all eyes will be on Patidar as he embarks on his journey as RCB’s captain in IPL 2025.