RCB Head Coach Andy Flower on Virat Kohli’s Captaincy: No Confirmation Yet for IPL 2025
RCB head coach Andy Flower has not confirmed if Virat Kohli will return as captain for IPL 2025. The franchise is searching for a new leader after parting ways with Faf du Plessis after IPL 2024. It faces a limited pool of captaincy candidates.
RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Babat, told Sports Tak that they have not finalized a captain for the upcoming season. Andy Flower echoed this. He emphasized that there have been no talks with Kohli about retaking the captaincy.
Uncertainty Looms Over RCB Captaincy
RCB finds itself in a leadership void following the departure of Faf du Plessis after IPL 2024. Kohli is a top contender for the role. He has vast leadership experience with RCB and Team India. But, the franchise is keeping its options open.
Other squad players, like Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya, have some leadership experience. So do Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Phil Salt. However, none are viewed as strong contenders for the captaincy at this stage.
Flower’s comments to Sports Tak highlighted the franchise’s careful approach:
‘You’ll have to wait for the final decision. We are stepping into a fresh phase, the start of a three-year journey, and I believe the anticipation will only grow as we progres,” he said.
“You can ask me as often as you like, but that communication has not happened yet,” he added.
RCB wants to find a long-term leader. They seek someone who shares their vision for the next few years. This desire is causing uncertainty.
Kohli’s Leadership History with RCB
Virat Kohli’s leadership journey with RCB began in 2011. He captained a few games, then became the permanent skipper in 2013. In 2016, Kohli led the team to the IPL final. He also set the record for most runs in a single IPL season (973).
However, Kohli stepped down as captain after the 2021 season, citing the need to focus on his batting. Despite this, he remained an influential figure in the dressing room.
In IPL 2023, Kohli briefly returned to captaincy. He led RCB in four matches when Faf du Plessis was injured. His performance then revived talks of a return as full-time captain.
A Fresh Phase for RCB
RCB’s leaders decided to follow a three-year plan. It is from head coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Babat. The franchise aims to build a core that can win the IPL. It wants to compete for the title after years of failure.
Kohli is a key part of RCB’s batting lineup. As a global cricketing icon, he could provide stability through his leadership. However, the franchise may look for younger options to ensure a future.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, the captaincy question remains unresolved for RCB. Virat Kohli is a strong contender. But, Andy Flower’s comments suggest the franchise is treading carefully before deciding.
RCB fans will be eagerly awaiting updates as the team gears up for a fresh chapter in its IPL journey.