“This guy is going to lead you for a long time” - Virat Kohli backs Rajat Patidar as RCB captain

Former RCB captain Virat Kohli has come out in support of the Bangalore-based franchise’s newly appointed captain Rajat Patidar to captain the side for a long time in the future. Notably, Patidar will lead the RCB side in IPL 2025.

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It’s important to note that Kohli, who has been with the RCB team since IPL 2008, led the franchise for more than a decade. Meanwhile, Patidar will take over captaincy reigns from Faf du Plessis, who was roped in by the Delhi-based franchise.

"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)," Virat Kohli said during the RCB Unbox event on Monday, March 17.

Furthermore, Kohli has stated that he is excited to be a part of the RCB franchise this season and is hopeful of doing well, thanks to the excellent squad picked at the IPL 2025 mega auction in November 2024.

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"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. There is a lot of talent in the team. I am personally very excited about this season," he added.

On the other hand, Rajat Patidar felt honored to lead the squad. He has asserted that he loved the RCB team from the start and is elated to take up the new role.

"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.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for IPL 2025

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Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.

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