The cat is out of the bag, and as expected, RCB named Rajat Patidar as their new skipper for IPL 2025, ahead of Virat Kohli. The next edition starts on March 21, and the team would be hoping for nothing less a trophy in the tournament — which they have failed to win so far since the inception of the IPL.
Rajat Patidar Over Virat Kohli
Meanwhile, coming back to Rajat Patidar, the man has enough experience of leading Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In fact, he had led his side to a final appearance in the SMAT, back in 2022. Now, his foremost job will be to step out of Virat Kohli‘s shadow.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Mo Babat clarified that Virat’s name was indeed considered. But then the coach Andy Flower had some reasons to go ahead with Patidar. Mo Bobat said, “Andy and I felt blessed we had many options. We were keen on an Indian option because someone with local insight is helpful for us. Of course Virat was an option. Virat doesn’t need a captaincy title to lead.
New RCB Captain, New Responsibility for IPL 2025
“It just comes naturally to him. He leads as an example with the bat. He leads in the field. He sets the tone with his energy. He likes a scrap. The way he practices, nutrition, he is a leader. Pretty sure Rajat will lean on him too. Virat had so much energy for the decision. He knows Rajat is deserving for this captaincy.”
Virat was one of the most successful skippers for RCB, having led them in 143 matches from 2011 to 2023, winning 66 of them and losing 70. Three of those were tied, and four of them were lost to rain. Under Patidar now, the team could just be starting with a new chapter in the IPL.
