Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced Rajat Patidar as their skipper for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025. With this, a new era begins for RCB as Patidar is set to take charge as a captain for the franchise for the first time. After getting appointed as the skipper, Patidar got a special video message from none other than RCB’s star batter, Virat Kohli.
After RCB announced Rajat Patidar as skipper for IPL 2025, they shared a special video of Virat Kohli congratulating him and guiding him to take the role in the upcoming season. Kohli has served as a captain for RCB from 2013 to 2021. Under his captaincy, RCB reached the IPL final once and qualified for the playoffs four times. After that, Faf du Plessis took charge as RCB skipper from 2022 to 2024 before he was released byn
“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 was quoted as saying in a video posted by RCB.
Watch the video here:
You have earned the right to be in this position: Virat Kohli’s message to RCB captain Rajat Patidar
Speaking further, Virat Kohli also talked about how he saw Rajat Patidar evolve as a player and why he deserved to lead RCB in IPL 2025. Patidar has played 27 matches for RCB since 2021 scoring 799 runs at an average of 158.84.
"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,” Kohli said.
"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,” former RCB captain added.
