Virat Kohli extends support for RCB's newly announced captain Rajat Patidar: "The way you have grown......"

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entered an exciting new era with the appointment of Rajat Patidar as the team’s captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. This significant decision has been met with strong support from former captain Virat Kohli, who has expressed his confidence in Patidar’s leadership abilities. Kohli, a cricketing legend and longtime RCB icon, assured Patidar that the entire team stands firmly behind him. In a heartfelt message, Kohli said, “Rajat, you have earned this role with your hard work and dedication. Myself and the team are right behind you. You have won the hearts of RCB fans, and this opportunity is well deserved.”

Rajat Patidar’s appointment comes as a strategic move by the franchise, considering his consistent performances and leadership qualities. Over the years, he has become a key part of the RCB squad, impressing both fans and selectors with his resilience and match-winning abilities.

Patidar’s performances in domestic cricket have been remarkable. Having captained Madhya Pradesh (MP) across all formats, he led the team to the finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His batting prowess was on full display as he amassed 428 runs in just 10 matches, averaging an impressive 61.14 with a blistering strike rate exceeding 186.

His aggressive yet composed style of batting has earned him a spot in India’s national team, where he made his ODI debut against South Africa in 2023. Despite struggling in recent Test matches against England, where he managed only 63 runs in six innings, his overall experience and leadership credentials make him a strong candidate to steer RCB forward.

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 season is set to kick off in April, with RCB once again aiming to lift their first-ever IPL trophy. With Patidar now at the helm, all eyes will be on how he leads the team. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who captained RCB for nearly a decade, will continue to be an integral part of the squad as a senior player and mentor. His experience and guidance will be invaluable as Patidar navigates the challenges of captaincy.

With the unwavering support of Kohli, his teammates, and the entire RCB family, Rajat Patidar’s journey as captain has begun. Fans eagerly await the team’s performance in IPL 2025, hoping that this fresh leadership brings RCB their long-awaited title.