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Why RCB Ignored Virat Kohli And Picked Rajat Patidar As Captain For IPL 2025?

Jatin

RCB appointed Rajat Patidar as captain for IPL 2025 [Source: @RoyalDuckcrickt/x.com]RCB appointed Rajat Patidar as captain for IPL 2025 [Source: @RoyalDuckcrickt/x.com]

As soon as the news broke that Rajat Patidar would captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025, it left quite a few fans scratching their heads. After all, Virat Kohli, the face of the franchise was right there.

For some, the RCB captain decision felt like a missed opportunity while others saw it as a bold move toward the future. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Let’s break down why RCB decided to look beyond Virat for the captaincy in IPL 2025.

Fresh Direction Needed

There’s no denying Kohli’s legacy at RCB. He has led the side for a decade and under his captaincy, RCB reached the playoffs multiple times and even made it to the final in 2016, a year when Kohli redefined what consistency means in T20 cricket with a staggering 973 runs. But leadership in T20 cricket is a tough gig. You can be a great captain, but the title can still elude you.

After Kohli stepped down from captaincy in 2021, the team found a steady leader in Faf du Plessis. Now, with the South African gone, RCB seems to be charting a new course with Rajat Patidar. The idea is clear: give the youngster a shot while Kohli continues to focus on what he does best: scoring runs and winning games for the team.

Why Not Virat As RCB Captain?

Virat Kohli’s captaincy stats in the IPL for RCB don’t paint a bad picture at all. He’s led the side in 143 matches and won 66 of them. That’s a win percentage hovering around 46%. It’s respectable, but not exactly tiltle-winning numbers.

More importantly, the team’s leadership core has shifted. With new faces like Rajat Patidar in the squad, RCB probably felt it was the right time to hand over the reins to someone who represents their future plans.

Also, it’s worth noting that Kohli has stood in as captain for a few games recently, especially when Faf was recovering. The spark was still there, but maybe the management felt it was time to avoid the same old script and try something different.


RCB Captain Rajat Patidar’s Moment To Shine

Rajat Patidar’s rise in Indian cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. The RCB new captain is a dependable middle-order batter who knows how to take the game by the scruff of its neck. His Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy stint, where he led Madhya Pradesh to the final, surely caught the eye of RCB’s think tank.

In the IPL, Patidar has shown he’s got the game to dominate both spin and pace. His 799 runs at a strike rate of 158.85 speak for themselves. What makes him special is his calm head under pressure, something every captain needs. By appointing him as skipper, RCB is making a long-term investment.

Virat Kohli's Role In RCB Still Key

Just because Kohli isn’t wearing the captain’s armband doesn’t mean he won’t have a massive influence on the team. He’s still RCB’s heart and soul, the player every fan looks up to. Expect him to guide Patidar whenever the going gets tough. After all, there’s no substitute for experience, and Virat has it in spades.

This move might actually free up Kohli even more. Without the captaincy burden, he can play with freedom and focus solely on his batting. We’ve already seen glimpses of it in recent seasons.

Conclusion

RCB’s decision to appoint Patidar as captain is bold but bold moves have always been part of the franchise’s DNA. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Virat Kohli isn’t going anywhere. He is still very much part of RCB’s core.