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'Everything Revolves Around Kohli,' Harbhajan Reveals Patidar's Biggest Challenge As RCB Captain

Soumyajit Dutta

Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli and Harbhajan Singh [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli and Harbhajan Singh [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will enter IPL 2025 under fresh leadership, with middle-order batter Rajat Patidar replacing Faf du Plessis as captain. The franchise released du Plessis ahead of the 2025 auction, opting against reinstating Virat Kohli as skipper despite speculation. 

Patidar, a pivotal player for the franchise, steps into his maiden captaincy role, tasked with steering RCB’s quest for their elusive IPL title. While Kohli is expected to mentor the new captain, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh warns of the challenges ahead for the 31-year-old.

Harbhajan Warns Patidar Ahead Of Captaincy Stint For RCB

Harbhajan, who captained Mumbai Indians during his IPL career, emphasized the complexities of franchise leadership, stating the challenge that Patidar might face.

“For someone like Patidar, it will be a huge challenge. To captain a big team like that, it's not going to be easy to take decisions. Who will play, who will bowl at what point… he hasn't led a side before. People think leading India is the most difficult thing, but I think it's even tougher leading a franchise, because I have done it.” 

Highlighting RCB’s trophy drought, he added, that it is very much possible that Patidar will drown under the trophy expectations for RCB.

“Patidar has the pressure of expectations because they haven't won a single season. You have to live up to it, and play your own game, too. Everything revolves around Virat Kohli there. He also has to ensure that he has a good season. RCB have appointed Patidar for five seasons, but if this one doesn't go well, we will see where he will stand.”

Patidar's Journey to Captaincy

Patidar, who missed the 2023 season due to an Achilles Heel injury, has been a standout performer for RCB. In IPL 2024, he scored 395 runs at a strike rate of 177, maintaining an overall rate of 159 across three seasons. His aggressive middle-order batting has been crucial for the team.

Clash Of The New Captains

RCB will open their 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22. KKR, led by new captain Ajinkya Rahane, also enter the season with revamped leadership after acquiring Rahane in the auction. The clash marks a high-stakes start for both franchises under their untested skippers.