Picture Credit: X
Veteran India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who was roped in by five-time champions of Indian Premier League (IPL) at the mega auction in Jeddah, opened up on Virat Kohli’s possibility to lead the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. While Kohli remained their key retention (INR 21 Crore), along with the likes of Yash Dayal (INR 4 Crore) and Rajat Patidar (INR 11 Crore), he continues to be a central figure in the side, and is likely to return at helm in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league.
However, the red and gold franchise haven’t named their skipper for the season yet, several have hinted and opined that Virat Kohli could be the one after they released Faf du Plessis ahead of the mega auction in October. After former RCB stalwart and South Africa great AB de Villiers hinted on it, R Ashwin has also backed De Villiers’ decision.
I think Virat Kohli is going to captain that side: R Ashwin
Ashwin, who is currently with Team India down under for their five-match Test series against Australia, opined that he does not see anyone less take the helm apart from Virat Kohli. “In all likelihood, I think Virat Kohli is going to captain that side. That’s the feeling I get because they haven’t gone for a captain. Unless and until they are going to go with somebody else. I don’t see anyone other than Virat as captain,” Ashwin said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
“I actually personally think they had a terrific auction. They balanced it and waited it out. Many teams came into this auction with many crores in their purses. They came blazing right in the front but RCB played the waiting game even though they had a lot of money. What do I need? They are the ones I need. My overall team is important. My 12 or 14 is important,” Ashwin added.
It is to be noted that Virat Kohli, who led the side till 2021, stepped down from the role with Faf du Plessis replacing him in the leadership role. "Hello everyone, the whole RCB family, the amazing fans of Bangalore and to all those who have supported us. I have an announcement to make…to inform everyone that this (UAE leg of IPL 2021) is going to be my last stint as captain of RCB," Kohli said in a video uploaded on RCB's official X handle. "I spoke to the management this evening, it was something that was in my mind for a while… This will be my last IPL as captain of RCB. I’ll continue to be an RCB player till I play my last IPL game. I thank all the RCB fans for believing in me and supporting me,” Kohli said.
Royal Challengers Benagluru's squad for IPL 2025
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, 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
