Virat Kohli, the icon of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL franchise, has congratulated the new RCB captain for IPL 2025, Rajat Patidar. Patidar was named the new RCB captain for the IPL 2025 season on Thursday, February 13.
Patidar has been a staple in the RCB lineup since 2022, with Kohli and former captain Faf du Plessis. Kohli sent a statement following the announcement, stating that he was the new captain of the team and that he would have the team's complete support.
The great RCB batter stated that the 31-year-old has improved as a player over the previous few years and has also represented India.
Kohli stated that Patidar's achievements as the MP captain have demonstrated his ability to lead a team effectively. The top batter also encouraged the RCB followers to rally around Patidar and support him in the IPL 2025 season.
"Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you, wish you all the very best, and 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,” Kohli said in a video posted on RCB socials.
"So, this is very well deserved. And 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. 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 honor 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 made his IPL debut in 2021 and has been with the franchise ever since then.
"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 previous 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.
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,” Kohli added.
He has played 27 games for RCB, scoring 799 runs at a strike rate of 158.85, and is equally adept at dominating pace and spin. He was one of three RCB retainers ahead of the big auctions, along with Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal. He was retained for INR 11 crore.
"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. Sending my best wishes to him and sending all the fans lots of love and looking forward to seeing you all soon and looking forward to have Rajat start off the season," said Kohli.
Patidar is the 8th captain of the RCB franchise, and the team will hope that he breaks the hoodoo of the men’s side not winning the IPL trophy despite three appearances in the final.
