The Indian Premier League has to start within five weeks, and RCB announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain for IPL 2025. The expectation that Virat Kohli will be captain again when RCB did retain his captain ahead of mega auction 2024, but the plan of RCB was something different from this.
Rajat Patidar was signed by RCB ahead of IPL 2021, where he played only four matches and got released by RCB teams. He joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru once again in IPL 20222 as a replacement, and the life of Rajat Patidar was completely changed from here. He was the third-highest run scorer for RCB in IPL 2022, including the inning of 112 not out off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the eliminator.
Unfortunately, Rajat Patidar missed the IPL 2023 due to injury, but he came back again in the IPL 2024 and performed well in that season, and he was one of three players RCB retained ahead of the mega auction.
Profile of Rajat Patidar as a Captain
Rajat Patidar has a well-track record as a captain. He led Madhya Pradesh in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He led Madhya Pradesh, and with his performance, Madhya Pradesh gone to the SMAT final, but unfortunately they were defeated by Mumbai by five wickets. Patidar contributed for his team as he was the highest run scorer for Madhya Pradesh, and in the tournament, finishing as the second-highest run scorer, he was only behind to Ajinkya Rahane. He amassed 428 runs in 10 matches with an average of 61 and an impressive strike rate of 186.08.
Also read: Royal Challengers Bengaluru complete squad for IPL 2025
Reaction of Virat Kohli on “Rajat Patidar” to becoming RCB’s new Captain
Virat Kohli said, “Heyy Rajat, firstly I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best. I will be pleased to share my emotion with you that with the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you have made a completely well reputed place in the hearts of all the RCB fans all over India. They are really excited to watch you play as a captain in RCB Jursy, so this is very well deserved. I am very excited, and I and the other team members will be right behind you, and you’ll have all our support to grow into this role.”
He is completely evolved, his game has improved and totally changed on many levels. He led his state team in SMAT as well as the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2024 with a decent performance. He has shown what it takes to lead the franchise. I believe that he will do what is best for the team. Regardless of what happens, what is most important is the team and the franchise. Sending my best wishes to the team and franchise, and look forward to the next challenge for the upcoming season.
Rajat Patidar’s said about his captaincy
Rajat Patidar said, “If I talk about Captain Way, I know about matches but am not expressive. I feel I need to support players that I need to do. We have leaders with leaders there are a group of and their views will help in my development, and It’s the team.
On Virat Kohli: “This is a great opportunity to learn the best in cricket. His experience will help me in the role of my lead. I know him very well. His thoughts will help me very well.”
My opinion: Virat Kohli could be the best choice for RCB but some reports says Kohli declined for captaincy and he advised Patidar is better choice as a captain
RCB official: The banton has been passed, and your name has made it to the history books. It’s time for a new chapter! Let’s give the best fans in the world what they’ve been waiting for all these years.
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