RCB Captain IPL 2025: Why Rajat Patidar Replaced Virat Kohli as Skipper
The appointment of Rajat Patidar as RCB captain for IPL 2025 shocked many fans. Why did Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) choose a new leader with Virat Kohli still in the squad? The decision shows a new strategy. It focuses on the future and lets Kohli shine as a top run-scorer.
A Fresh Direction for RCB
Virat Kohli’s legacy as RCB captain is undeniable. He led RCB for ten years. Under his guidance, the team reached several playoffs. In 2016, they made it to the final. That season, he set a record with 973 runs. However, despite his efforts, an IPL title remained elusive.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌
“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
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
After stepping down as captain in 2021, RCB found stability under Faf du Plessis. Now, with Du Plessis out of the picture, the franchise is charting a new course. RCB has chosen Rajat Patidar as captain for IPL 2025. This shows a commitment to young leadership. Now, Kohli can concentrate on his batting.
Why Not Virat Kohli as RCB Captain Again?
Kohli’s captaincy stats show 143 matches and 66 wins, giving a 46% win rate. However, these numbers don’t show title-winning strength. As RCB’s leadership group changes, the franchise likely saw a need for new leadership.
Kohli has also stepped up as captain when needed. This shows he can still lead effectively. The management might have preferred not to revisit an old script. Instead, they wanted to focus on the future.
RCB Captain Rajat Patidar: A Rising Star
Rajat Patidar’s journey to becoming RCB’s new captain has been remarkable. He led Madhya Pradesh to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This showed how well he handles pressure.
A new chapter begins for RCB and we couldn’t be more excited for Ra-Pa! 🤩
From being scouted for two to three years before he first made it to RCB in 2021, to coming back as injury replacement in 2022, missing out in 2023 due to injury, bouncing back and leading our middle… pic.twitter.com/gStbPR2fwc
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
In the IPL, Patidar has been a standout performer, scoring 799 runs at a strike rate of 158.85. His skill in handling both pace and spin, plus his calm attitude, makes him a great pick for RCB’s future leadership.
Virat Kohli’s Role in RCB Remains Crucial
Despite stepping away from the captaincy, Kohli remains RCB’s backbone. He will still play a pivotal role in guiding Patidar and shaping the team’s success. Without leadership duties, Kohli can now bat freely. This might boost his performance even more.
RCB’s choice to make Rajat Patidar captain for IPL 2025 is bold. It also fits their forward-thinking strategy. Whether it leads to success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Virat Kohli is still the heart of RCB.