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'Didn't Want To Pressure Virat Kohli': Manjrekar Backs RCB's IPL 2025 Captaincy Choice

Akshita Patel

Rajat Patidar to lead RCB in IPL 2025 [Source: @RCB_LOVER18/X.com]Rajat Patidar to lead RCB in IPL 2025 [Source: @RCB_LOVER18/X.com]

Former cricketer turned analyst Sanjay Manjrekar claimed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has made a conscious decision to give captaincy to Rajat Patidar instead of Virat Kohli. He says that RCB wanted to avoid putting leadership pressure on Kohli at this stage of his career.

RCB named Rajat Patidar their captain for IPL 2025. Kohli, in the meantime, will remain Patidar's mentor as a senior and ex-captain of the franchise.

Though fans wanted Kohli back as captain, the franchise's move to place their faith in Patidar stunned the fans.

Sanjay Manjrekar explains why RCB ditched Virat Kohli for captaincy

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently shared his take on RCB’s choice to trust Rajat Patidar with captaincy. Talking to Star Sports, he said that RCB didn’t want to burden Virat Kohli with the pressure of leadership again, especially at the final stage of his career.

“I thought RCB took a very good decision. They didn't want to put pressure on Virat Kohli by giving him the responsibility of captaincy. When someone is in the nothing-to-lose zone, you must have seen reality shows, when someone is out of the race or singing in his farewell round,” Manjrekar said.

Kohli, who was last RCB captain in 2021, had a phenomenal IPL 2024, claiming the Orange Cap with 741 runs at 61.75. His efforts saw RCB stage a dramatic comeback in the league stage before they were defeated in the playoffs by Rajasthan Royals.

At the same time, the IPL 2025 season begins on March 22 as RCB takes on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kohli supports Patidar as the new captain of RCB

On the other hand, Virat Kohli has provided his support to Rajat Patidar following his elevation as RCB captain. Kohli praised Patidar's development over time and promised him complete team support.

Having played 27 games together, Kohli has witnessed Patidar's growth up close. RCB's move to promote Patidar ahead of Kohli marks a change towards a new leadership style. 

With Kohli concentrating exclusively on his batting, as he did in his Orange Cap-winning campaign last season, this might prove advantageous to the team and the previous captain as well.