Virat Kohli has expressed his full support for Rajat Patidar, the newly appointed captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Kohli believes Patidar is highly talented and possesses the right mindset to lead the franchise effectively for a long period.
Patidar was chosen as the captain to succeed Faf du Plessis. Kohli, speaking at an event in Bengaluru, highlighted Patidar’s talent and leadership qualities. He stated that Patidar is not only a great player but also has a mature approach, essential for guiding the team forward. Kohli emphasized that Patidar has all the necessary attributes to excel as captain.
Rajat Patidar’s captaincy was considered after IPL 2024. Prior to taking on the RCB role, he was appointed captain of Madhya Pradesh, leading the team to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the 2024-25 season. Patidar’s personal performance in that tournament was exceptional, scoring 428 runs in nine innings with a high strike rate and hitting the second-most sixes in the competition.
Patidar, upon being introduced as captain, spoke about drawing inspiration from RCB’s legendary players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, whom he admired growing up. He expressed his happiness at being given the opportunity to lead a major T20 team like RCB.
AB de Villiers, who played with Patidar in 2021, thinks the captaincy role could present challenges, particularly dealing with the pressure of following in the footsteps of former captains like du Plessis and Kohli. De Villiers advised Patidar to utilize the experience of figures like Kohli and coach Andy Flower but to also develop his own leadership style.
De Villiers suggested that Patidar’s main challenge might be overcoming self-doubt while working alongside a figure like Virat Kohli. He recommended Patidar to learn from Kohli and Andy Flower, but importantly, to remain authentic to his own leadership instincts.
Coach Flower previously mentioned that Patidar’s calm and simple nature was a key factor in his selection as captain. He believes this demeanor will be beneficial in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. Flower also noted Patidar’s caring attitude towards teammates, which will earn him respect and support within the team. Furthermore, Flower highlighted Patidar’s inherent toughness and determination, qualities that will be crucial in navigating the highs and lows of the tournament.
