Virat Kohli has backed Rajat Patidar, the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain, to lead the team effectively. Speaking at the RCB Unbox event in Bengaluru, Kohli praised Patidar’s talent and leadership qualities, expressing confidence that he would guide the franchise well. Patidar, retained by RCB ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, succeeded Faf du Plessis as captain last month.
Patidar, who took over after IPL 2024, gained valuable leadership experience by captaining Madhya Pradesh to the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. He scored 428 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 186.08, hitting 27 sixes, the second-most in the tournament. Reflecting on his new role, Patidar expressed admiration for RCB legends like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, whom he grew up watching.
De Villiers, who played alongside Patidar in 2021, acknowledged the challenges of leading RCB but urged Patidar to stay true to his style. He highlighted the potential for insecurity in stepping into the shoes of past captains like Kohli and du Plessis. He advised Patidar to use the experience of Kohli and head coach Andy Flower while maintaining his individuality.
Flower, during the captaincy announcement, emphasized three key qualities that made Patidar an ideal choice. He praised Patidar’s calmness and simplicity, which would help him handle IPL’s pressures. Flower also highlighted Patidar’s care for his teammates, ensuring respect and support from the squad. Lastly, he noted Patidar’s stubbornness and steely determination, which reflected in his fearless gameplay.
With strong endorsements from Kohli, de Villiers, and Flower, Patidar is poised to lead RCB into a new era.
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