‘This guy is going to lead you for a long time’: Virat Kohli extends support to RCB captain Rajat Patidar | Ipl News
Virat Kohli on Monday backed newly-appointed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar to lead the franchise for many years. Kohli himself led the franchise for more than a decade before relinquishing the captaincy after the 2021 IPL season.
“This guy is going to lead you for a long time. He is going to do a great job. He has got everything that is required (to succeed),” Kohli said in his address to RCB’s loyal fans at the team’s Unbox event here on Monday.
“It feels amazing to be back. The excitement and happiness is like every other season. I have been here for 18 years and absolutely love RCB. We have an amazing squad this time around. Lot of talent in the team. I am personally very excited about this season,” Kohli added.
Virat Kohli on Rajat Patidar, “The Guy gonna come next will lead you for long time. Give him all the Love you can.”#RCBUnbox #RCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/DrMcLiPSug
— IPL 2025 (@ipl2025official) March 17, 2025
Patidar, who succeeded Faf du Plessis as captain after the South African was released ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, said it was an honour to lead RCB.
Story continues below this ad
“Legends like Virat bhai, Ab de Villiers, Chris Gayle have played for RCB. I grew up watching them. From the start I have loved the franchise a lot. I am more happy that I got a new role to lead one of the biggest teams (in T20 cricket),” said Patidar, who has also played for India.
The Indore-born batter had made a dramatic re-entry into the IPL mid-way through the 2022 season as a replacement player for Luvnith Sisodia in RCB after having previously played four games in 2021 for the franchise but was not retained later that year.
In eight games in 2022, Patidar aggregated 333 runs including an unbeaten 112 off 54 balls in the IPL Eliminator win against Lucknow Super Giants. Patidar later missed the 2023 season due to an Achilles Heel injury but was retained the franchise for another season. In 2024, Patidar was at his destructive best for RCB, smashing 33 sixes while amassing 395 runs in 15 matches.
