Powering Kohli To IPL Glory: 3 Biggest Challenges For Rajat Patidar As RCB Captain

3 challenges for Patidar as captain [Source: @onlyprathamesh/X.com]

The wait is over as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced Rajat Patidar as the new captain of their team ahead of the IPL season. Many expected Virat Kohli to be the one to lead the side, however, the franchise sprung a surprise and went with a completely different route as Patidar has lots of responsibilities on his shoulders.

Patidar has experience of leading Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit and took his team to the finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali (SMAT) 2024-25. However, captaining RCB will be a different gravy altogether and the newly appointed skipper will have his fair share of challenges.

Here are 3 biggest challenges for Patidar as he embarks on a new journey as the RCB captain.

1) The pressure of leading RCB is different from leading domestic team

Patidar stats in SMAT 2024-25

Patidar did well in the domestic circuit as the captain and delivered the goods as he led MP to the finals of SMAT 2024-25. Also, he performed exceedingly well with the bat in the tournament and finished as the second highest run-getter.

However, the pressure of leading RCB is different from captaining MP. The entire world will be watching the IPL and one wrong move as a captain will bring Patidar in the negative sense. There could be a chance that the leadership burden could hamper his batting. This has happened in the past with Virat Kohli as well, and could take a toll on Patidar if things fall apart in the opening few games.

If RCB don't get a dream start to the IPL season, media and critics will come after him and how he deals with the situation will be the key.

2) Fulfill Virat Kohli's dream

It has been 17 years and Virat Kohli, the star of RCB is yet to touch the IPL trophy. He has won it all in the game of cricket, but the IPL trophy is elusive of him and the batter has a dream to achieve it with RCB before he hangs his boots.

Kohli and RCB is a love story which stretches back to 2008 and almost all the RCB fans want the Indian superstar to win the title at-least once. So many captains have tried and they have all failed to win the IPL title. Rajat Patidar will have the responsibility to shoulder this responsibility and end the trophy drought for the franchise and help the icon of the team get his hands on the trophy.

3) How will he handle the lack of resources

RCB spent a hefty amount on Josh Hazlewood as the Aussie star was roped in by the Red Army. However, RCB suffered an injury blow as Hazlewood was ruled out of the Champions Trophy and is doubtful for the IPL as well.

In his absence, who will lead the bowling attack? This will be Patidar's major cause of worry. The team has plethora of pacers, but none can match the skillset of Hazlewood. Plus, RCB doesn't have a quality spinner. They have Suyash Sharma in the team, but if he fails, there is no backup. How will Patidar manage his bowling resources will be important for him.

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