IPL 2025: Virat Kohli backs Rajat Patidar as RCB's captain
What's the story
Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The announcement was made by Director of Cricket Mo Bobat and head coach Andy Flower. Meanwhile, Patidar's captaincy marks a historic moment for RCB, as he joins an elite list of past leaders, including cricketing greats Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Faf du Plessis, and Virat Kohli. Here's more.
Support
Kohli extends support to Patidar as new RCB captain
Former RCB captain Kohli has thrown his weight behind Patidar's new role. In a video message posted on RCB's social media platforms, Kohli assured Patidar of the team's unwavering backing and praised his journey with RCB. "Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat," said Kohli. He further commended stating, "The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you've made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans."
Track record
Patidar's leadership journey and performance
A formidable batsman, Patidar now shoulders the responsibility of leading RCB in their quest for IPL glory. His leadership skills were previously on display when he captained the Madhya Pradesh team in all formats. In last year's Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Patidar led his team to the finals and scored 428 runs in 10 matches at an average of 61.14 with five fifties, finishing as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament.
IPL journey
Patidar's IPL journey and future challenges
Since joining RCB in 2022, Patidar has justified his worth by scoring 799 runs in 24 innings at an average of 34.73 and a strike rate of 158.84, including one century and seven fifties. His best was a century against LSG in the 2022 IPL eliminator, making him the first uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs. Last season, he was instrumental in RCB's late surge into playoffs after just one win in their first eight games.
Coach's backing
RCB's new skipper Rajat Patidar receives backing from Andy Flower
The strategic decision received strong backing from RCB's head coach, Flower. He praised Patidar's leadership and stated to ANI, "Regarding Rajat, I liked his patience and simplicity. A player should have such qualities for a game like IPL." Flower further stated that Patidar has all the qualities needed to lead a team in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL. "Rajat has all the qualifications to be a captain," he added.
Captaincy
Patidar replaces Faf du Plessis
Patidar has replaced Faf du Plessis, who was released by the Royal Challengers following IPL 2024. He captained the side in the previous few seasons. Therefore, the Royal Challengers had a task of naming a new captaincy candidate. Kohli, who successfully led the franchise in the past, is believed to have denied the role. This led to Patidar's appointment.
Twitter Post
Kohli's video message to RCB's new skipper
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat”: Virat Kohli
“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”… pic.twitter.com/dgjDLm8ZCN
Information
Patidar strikes at 158.84 in the IPL
In 27 IPL matches, Patidar owns 799 runs at 34.73. His strike rate is 158.84. He owns 7 fifties and a ton. All of his runs in IPL have come for RCB. Last season, he bagged 395 runs from 13 matches at 30.38.