Virat Kohli on Rajat Patidar has backed Rajat Patidar as Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain for IPL 2025

Kohli's backing of Rajat Patidar as RCB's new captain signals a strong endorsement for the young batter’s leadership potential. At the RCB Unbox event, Kohli expressed confidence in Patidar’s ability to guide the franchise into the future, saying, "He has got everything that's required." Patidar’s appointment comes after a successful stint as Madhya Pradesh’s captain in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led them to the final while scoring 428 runs at an explosive strike rate of 186.08. His aggressive batting style and composure under pressure have made him a key figure for RCB, leading to his retention ahead of the 2025 IPL mega-auction. With Patidar stepping into the shoes of Faf du Plessis, it will be interesting to see how he handles the challenges of captaincy at the IPL level. With Kohli’s endorsement and the franchise’s faith in him, RCB fans will be hoping he can finally lead them to their elusive first title. Rajat Patidar stepping into the RCB captaincy brings excitement but also significant challenges, especially with the weight of expectations that come with leading a franchise like RCB. His admiration for legends like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle shows his deep connection to the team, but as de Villiers pointed out, the real test will be finding his own leadership style rather than trying to replicate past captains. De Villiers’ advice is spot on—Patidar needs to lean on the experience of Kohli and coach Andy Flower but ultimately stay true to his instincts. The pressure of captaining a high-profile team, especially one still chasing its first IPL title, will be immense. If he can handle that and maintain the fearless batting approach that has defined him, he could surprise a lot of people. Andy Flower's insights into Rajat Patidar's leadership qualities highlight some key traits that could make him a successful captain for RCB. Calmness & Simplicity: In the chaotic, high-pressure environment of the IPL, having a leader who remains composed can be a huge asset. Patidar's ability to stay level-headed might help the team navigate tense moments better. Caring Nature: A captain who genuinely values his teammates fosters a strong team culture. If Patidar naturally commands respect through his actions and empathy, that could bring the squad together. Steely Determination: His stubbornness, especially when it comes to his game, suggests he won’t be easily swayed by external pressures. This could help him make bold decisions and back himself when needed.