Virat Kohli Reacts To Rajat Patidar Becoming The New RCB Captain

Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon player, has reacted to Rajat Patidar becoming the new RCB captain ahead of the IPL 2025 season.

The Royal Challengers were looking for a new captain after releasing Faf du Plessis ahead of the IPL 2025 big auction. Many expected Virat Kohli to return to the job, considering his extensive experience with the team. However, RCB named Rajat Patidar, who has been with the team since 2022, as captain.

Rajat Patidar becomes new RCB captain

Rajat Patidar joined the RCB in 2022. He helped Madhya Pradesh go to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 final, where they were defeated by Mumbai. Patidar was the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, with 428 runs in ten matches at an average of 61 and a strike rate of 186.08.

Virat Kohli sends heartwarming message to Rajat Patidar on becoming RCB captain

In a video posted by Royal Challengers Bengaluru on X (formerly Twitter), Virat Kohli said that Rajat Patidar deserved the captaincy, with the entire team standing behind him. He wished Patidar continued growth and success in the position.

"Rajat, firstly I want to congratulate you. Wish you all the very best. Thank you for the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed. ou have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB all over India. And they get really excited to watch you play."

"So, this is very well deserved. And to tell you that myself and the other team members, will be right behind you. And you will have all our support to grow into this role," Kohli said in a video posted by RCB on X.

The 36-year-old believes Patidar has earned the right to lead the team. He stated that moving the business forward is a huge honor and encouraged Patidar to develop stronger in his leadership role. Kohli also acknowledged Patidar's development as a player over the previous two years.

"Of course, it's a big responsibility. I've done this for many years. And Faf's done it for the last few years. And to be seen as the guy who will take this franchise forward, I'm sure it's a huge honour for you. I'm very, very happy for you. You have earned the right to be in this position. And I'm sure you'll grow from strength to strength. I've seen Rajat evolve in the last couple of years as a player. He's got the chance to play for India," he added.

The Bengaluru-based team needed a new captain after parting ways with Faf du Plessis, who led the team from 2022 to 2024. They did not retain the 40-year-old ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

“We must all get behind him and support him”- Virat Kohli asks RCB fans to support Rajat Patidar

Virat Kohli is thrilled to watch Patidar lead the RCB into the new season. He urged all RCB fans to wholeheartedly back Rajat Patidar in his new position as captain. Kohli hopes to be the first RCB skipper to guide his team to an IPL title.

“I just wish him all the best, and request all the fans to show him support and get behind him. We must all get behind him and support him. The most important thing is the team and the franchise, so we should get behind him. Looking forward to seeing Rajat start off the new season with a bang,” he added.

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌

“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat”: Virat Kohli

“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”… pic.twitter.com/dgjDLm8ZCN

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025

Also Read: Rajat Patidar Pips Virat Kohli To Become New RCB Captain For IPL 2025