The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a new leader at the helm, and none other than Virat Kohli has given his full support to Rajat Patidar. Kohli, a key figure in RCB’s history, believes Patidar has what it takes to lead the team for a long time.
A New Era for RCB
Patidar, who was one of RCB’s three retained players before the 2025 mega-auction, was named as Faf du Plessis’ successor last month. Speaking at the RCB Unbox event in Bengaluru, Kohli praised the 31-year-old’s talent and leadership potential.
“He is an amazing talent,” Kohli said. “We all know he is a great player, but he also has a great head on his shoulders. He has everything needed to take this franchise forward and do a great job.”
Patidar’s Leadership Journey
Patidar was first approached for the captaincy after IPL 2024. To prepare for this role, he was handed the captaincy of Madhya Pradesh, where he led the team to the final of the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His performance in the tournament was outstanding, scoring 428 runs in nine innings at a staggering strike rate of 186.08. His 27 sixes were the second-highest in the competition.
As he took the stage to a roaring crowd, Patidar reflected on the inspiration he has drawn from RCB legends.
“Legends like Virat bhai, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle have played for RCB. I grew up watching them and have always admired this franchise. Getting the opportunity to lead one of the biggest teams in T20 cricket is a huge honor.”
AB de Villiers’ Advice for Patidar
AB de Villiers, who played alongside Patidar in 2021, acknowledged the challenges that come with leadership. He warned that stepping into the shoes of Kohli and du Plessis could be daunting.
“Patidar’s biggest challenge will be dealing with insecurity. He might constantly wonder, ‘Am I making the right decisions? What would Virat do?'” de Villiers noted. “The key will be to use the experience of Virat and head coach Andy Flower but stay true to his own leadership style.”
Coach Andy Flower on Patidar’s Strengths
At the captaincy announcement, head coach Andy Flower highlighted three key qualities that made Patidar the right choice for the role:
- Calm and Composed Personality – “Patidar has a calm and simple demeanor, which will help him handle the pressures of the IPL.”
- Caring Nature – “He values his teammates and creates a positive dressing room atmosphere, earning the respect of those around him.”
- Steely Determination – “He is strong-willed, fearless in his approach, and sticks to his instincts. This will be crucial during the ups and downs of the tournament.”
A Bright Future Ahead
With Kohli’s backing, de Villiers’ guidance, and Flower’s faith in his abilities, Patidar has all the support he needs to lead RCB into a new era. As he takes on this massive responsibility, RCB fans will be eager to see how he shapes the team’s future.
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