Virat Kohli reacts to Rajat Patidar’s elevation as RCB’s captain

Dubai: As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set their sights on another IPL season, a new leader has been entrusted with the task of guiding the franchise forward. Rajat Patidar, a rising star within the team, has been named captain — and none other than Virat Kohli has given him his full backing.

At an event in Bengaluru on Thursday, RCB officially announced Patidar as their new skipper, with director of cricket Mo Bobat and head coach Andy Flower in attendance. Having become an integral part of the squad over the past few seasons, the right-hander now shoulders the responsibility of leading a team that has spent 18 years chasing its maiden IPL title.

“Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best. I want 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. They get really excited to watch you play, so this is very well deserved. I want to tell you that I and the other team members will be right behind you, and you’ll have all our support to grow into this role,” Kohli said in a video posted by the franchise on X.

“Of course, it’s a big responsibility. I’ve done this for many years, and Faf’s done it for the last few years. 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. You have earned the right to be in this position, and I’m sure you will grow from strength to strength,” he added.

Patidar has been in stellar form leading up to his new role. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, amassing 428 runs in nine innings at an outstanding average of 61.14 and a blistering strike rate of 186.08. He also top-scored in the final against Mumbai, though Madhya Pradesh fell short. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he continued his strong form, scoring 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 107.10.

“I’ve 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 shown everyone that he has what it takes to lead this amazing franchise,” Kohli said.

Patidar steps into a role that comes with immense expectations. RCB’s passionate fanbase has been waiting nearly two decades for a title, with the team finishing as runners-up three times but never clinching the trophy. Their last final appearance came in 2016, and while they have consistently reached the playoffs — including in 2024, when they won their last six league matches to secure a top-four finish — they have fallen short in the knockout stages.

Kohli made it clear that Patidar needs the full backing of the fans as he embarks on this challenge.

“I would request all the fans to show him absolute support, get right behind him, and know that he will always do what’s best for the team and this franchise.

“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 franchise. We all have a responsibility to work towards the growth of this amazing team and franchise. Sending my best wishes to him and sending all the fans lots of love. Looking forward to seeing you all soon and having Rajat start off the season with a bang,” the former RCB captain signed off.

For Patidar, this is more than just a captaincy — it’s a chance to lead a team that has come agonisingly close to glory but never quite crossed the finish line. With the unwavering support of Kohli, the coaching staff, and the fans, he has the perfect platform to make his mark. Whether this season will finally bring RCB their long-awaited trophy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the team is rallying behind their new captain, and a fresh chapter in their journey is about to unfold.

— With inputs from IANS