Rajat Patridar has been named the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, set to begin on March 21. Patidar will succeed South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, who captained RCB from 2022 to 2024. Former RCB and India captain Virat Kohli wished Patidar the best and pledged his full support to the newly-named skipper for the upcoming IPL seasons.
In a heartfelt video uploaded by RCB’s official social media handle X (formerly Twitter), Virat Kohli announced Rajat Patidar as the new captain of the franchise. Kohli congratulated Patidar, praising his growth and performances, which endeared him to fans. He assured Patidar of full support from the team, acknowledging the responsibility of the role while expressing confidence in his leadership.
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“I'm here to inform everyone, like the others will do as well, that Rajat Patidar is going to be the new captain of RCB. Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you, wish you all the very best, and to tell you that the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you 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,” Virat Kohli said in the video.
“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.”
“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 and I'm very, very happy for you.”
Watch the video here:
'You Have Earned The Right': Virat Kohli On Rajat Patidar's Captaincy
Kohli praised Patidar's growth as a player and leader, stating that he has earned the right to captain RCB. He highlighted Patidar’s evolution, India call-up and leadership with his state team, expressing confidence in his ability to guide the franchise. Kohli also urged fans to fully support Patidar, emphasizing that the team and franchise come first. He sent his best wishes and looked forward to an exciting season under Patidar’s leadership.
“You have earned the right to be in this position and I am sure you will grow from strength to strength. I have seen Rajat evolve in the last couple of years as a player. He’s got the chance to play for India. His game has improved many levels in the last couple of years. The way he has led his state team as well, and the responsibility that he's taken, and he's shown everyone that he has what it takes to lead this amazing franchise,” the star India cricketer said.
“I just wish him all the very best and I would request all the fans to show him absolute support, get right behind him and know that he will always and always do what's best for the team, what's best for this franchise and we must all get together and support him because regardless of what happens, who does what, the most important thing is the team and the most important thing is the franchise and we all have a responsibility to work towards the growth of this amazing team and this amazing franchise,” he added.
“Sending my best wishes to him and sending all the fans lots of love and looking forward to see you all soon and looking forward to have Rajat start off the season with a bang,” Kohli concluded saying.