“Leading Superstar Like Virat Kohli”- Harbhajan Singh Warns Rajat Patidar And RCB

India’s former spin all-rounder, Harbhajan Singh, reckoned that leading a superstar like Virat Kohli and captaining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, besides ensuring a fabulous season with the bat, won’t be an easy challenge for Rajat Patidar, who does not carry such gold experience before.

With the franchise’s decision to leave out Faf du Plessis and not buy him back in the mega auction, many speculated that Kohli might be back in captaining the three-time runners-up of the event. But the management shouldered the responsibility on young Patidar.

Harbhajan Singh reveals challenges for Rajat Patidar in RCB leadership

The former World Cup-winning member of the Indian side, Harbhajan Singh, felt deciding the sequences of the bowler's bowling would not be an easy job. He also dropped a bombshell by noting that captaining a franchise would be even more difficult than leading the county.

Also Read: RCB To Win 5 Successive IPL Trophies!! Jitesh Sharma's Weird Prediction Causes Social Media Stir

“For someone like Patidar, it’s going to be a huge challenge. Captaining a big team like that is not going to be easy. Deciding which players to leave out, who bowls when- this is not something he has done before. To be honest, people might think captaining your country is tough but think it’s even tougher leading a franchise- because I have done it.” Harbhajan Singh expressed this during a recent interaction on ESPNcricinfo.

Patidar had an excellent season last year with 395 runs in just 13 innings at an average of 30.38 and a mouth-watering strike rate of 177.13, shouldering on five half-centuries.

Harbhajan Singh, who captained the Mumbai Indians in the past, pointed out that it would be an expectation from Patidar to win the trophy.

“I know how difficult it gets. This small decision put a lot of toll on the players. Patidar will face a lot of pressure. There is also expectation because RCB has never won the trophy. So, for him to play your own game and then shouldering the pressure will be difficult.” The Punjab-born cracked.

“Leading Virat Kohli will be a challenge”- Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh elaborated that captaining a superstar like Virat Kohli won’t be easy for Patidar, who will also have to maintain a brilliant season with the bat.

“Leading a superstar like Virat Kohli, who is the main man at the franchise, will also be a challenge. On top of all these, he has to focus on his batting and ensure that he has a good season. RCB said they had appointed Patidar for five seasons. But if this season doesn’t go well, then we will have to see where Patidar stands.” The former off-spinner told in the discussion.

India’s former opener, Aakash Chopra, has backed Harbhajan Singh’s comments questioning RCB’s promise to stay with Patidar as the leader for the next five seasons.

Also Read: “Virat Kohli Was An Accidental Captain”- India Veteran

“That’s exactly what I wanted to add. This is not just a test for the player (Patidar) but the franchise as well. If Patidar doesn’t score runs or if the team doesn’t win, can you walk the talk and say, ‘I am looking at five seasons, and this is my guy.” Chopra concluded.

'Captaining franchise can be harder than the national team'

Harbhajan Singh on the pressure Rajat Patidar faces this season 🗣️ #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/8FZci87Jsp

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 17, 2025

RCB to begin IPL 2025 campaign on March 22

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will play the opening game of the IPL 2025 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at the Eden Gardens.

Bengaluru’s first home game of the season at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will be on April 02 against the Gujarat Titans. The final of the season will also be at the Eden on May 25.