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Was Virat Kohli Willing To Lead? AB de Villiers Sheds Light On RCB's Captaincy Saga

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers [Source: @theFaizFazel/X.com]Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers [Source: @theFaizFazel/X.com]

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AB de Villiers has offered fresh perspective on Virat Kohli’s transition from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captaincy, suggesting the move was a collaborative decision aimed at fostering long-term leadership under Rajat Patidar. 

The South African legend emphasized Kohli’s alignment with the franchise’s vision, dismissing notions of reluctance from the former skipper. RCB’s shift to Patidar, despite post-auction speculation around Kohli’s potential return, signals a strategic pivot beyond IPL 2025.

AB de Villiers On RCB's Captaincy Transition Without Virat

De Villiers highlighted Kohli’s maturity in endorsing the change, framing it as a selfless act to prioritize RCB’s future. 

The franchise’s management, including director Mo Bobat and coach Andy Flower, echoed this sentiment, underscoring Kohli’s instrumental role in shaping the team’s new direction amid evolving dynamics. De Villiers shared his honest thoughts about the captaincy transition.

"Andy Flower must have been thinking about this for a long time along with Mo Bobat. I'm sure they came up with a strategy where they maybe felt like it's time for a fresh look as captain... I don't necessarily think Virat turned down. But he is in favour of the decision which was the most important thing.”

Praising Kohli’s mindset, de Villiers added that Kohli was mature leaving the captaincy role as he backs Patidar better.

“It was a very mature reaction from Virat... You’ll see how they operate as a team on the park and if Virat really has the back of Rajat Patidar. I’m very sure he will.”

Andy Flower's Respect For Kohli

Andy Flower, RCB’s head coach, also lauded Kohli’s influence in another interaction where he spoke about Patidar and Kohli's relationship.

“He obviously likes Rajat, respects him both as a person and a player... My experience with him last season only made my respect for him grow.” 

With Kohli’s legacy intact and Patidar’s era beginning, RCB’s gamble hinges on seamless synergy between past and future as they look forward to their campaign opener against KKR on March 22.