Kohli Congratulates Rajat Patidar on RCB Captaincy Appointment

New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) With the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaching, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain. Former captain Virat Kohli shared his admiration for Patidar's journey and pledged his complete support.

"Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best. The way you have grown in the franchise and the way you have performed, you have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB, all over India," Kohli stated in a video shared by the franchise. "They get excited to watch you play. So, this is very well deserved. Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, and you’ll have all our support."

Patidar succeeds Faf du Plessis, who led RCB in recent seasons but was not retained before the 2025 auction. The 31-year-old batsman’s ascent within RCB has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a standout performance in the 2022 season—where he scored an exhilarating century in the playoffs—Patidar has become a pivotal player for the franchise.

Kohli, who captained RCB for nearly a decade prior to his resignation in 2021, recognized the significant responsibility that accompanies the captaincy but expressed faith in Patidar’s leadership. Although this marks Patidar’s debut as a captain in the IPL, he has already led Madhya Pradesh during the 2024-25 season in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (where they were runners-up) and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. These tournaments represented his first full-time leadership role in domestic cricket.

"To grow into this role, of course, is a big responsibility. I have done this for many years, and Faf has done it for the last few years. To be seen as the guy who will take this franchise forward, I am sure this is a great honour for you. I am very, very happy for you. You've earned the right to be in this position, and I am sure you will grow from strength to strength," Kohli remarked in the video.

Patidar’s leadership abilities have already shone through in domestic cricket, where he has been instrumental for Madhya Pradesh. His consistent performances in the IPL and his capacity to manage pressure have made him the ideal candidate to steer RCB into a new chapter.

Kohli reflected on Patidar’s development as a cricketer, emphasizing how his game has reached new heights in recent times.

"I have seen Rajat evolve as a player in the last couple of years, got the chance to play for India. His game has improved many levels in the last couple of years," he noted. "The way he has led his state team and the responsibility he has taken, you’ve shown everyone what it takes to lead this amazing franchise."

With Patidar leading the team, RCB aspires to finally end their IPL title drought. The franchise has come close on numerous occasions but has faltered at critical moments. Kohli also conveyed a message to the RCB fanbase, urging them to unite behind their new leader.

"I just wish him all the very best, and I would request all the fans to support him, get absolutely behind him. We know that he will do what’s best for the team, and what’s best for the franchise, and we must all get together to support him. Regardless of what happens, and who does what, the most important thing is the team and franchise. We all have that responsibility to work towards the growth of this amazing team and franchise," Kohli added.

Patidar concluded as the second-highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, accumulating 428 runs in nine innings with an impressive average of 61.14 and a striking rate of 186.08. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he gathered 226 runs at an average of 56.50 while maintaining a strike rate of 107.10.