In anticipation of the IPL 2025 season, Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The batter from Madhya Pradesh assumes this role following the release of Faf du Plessis by RCB prior to the auction. Du Plessis served as the franchise's captain during the previous season.

Many fans and analysts speculated that Virat Kohli would be named captain in light of Du Plessis' departure. Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian national team, had stepped down from his leadership position with RCB after the 2021 season.

‘I thought Virat Kohli would lead RCB’

"I expected Virat Kohli to lead RCB," remarked former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif regarding Patidar's selection. "I was somewhat taken aback. Given that Faf du Plessis was not retained, I assumed Kohli would take the helm. He has been instrumental in the team's operations, even if he is not the captain. It is his responsibility to advise management on player acquisitions and support them. Therefore, if Patidar has been appointed captain, it is likely due to Kohli's influence. The franchise has not secured a trophy in 18 years, yet Kohli remains with them, which underscores the respect and value RCB places on his presence."

Kaif further suggested that Kohli played a significant role in Patidar's elevation to captaincy. Patidar has been an important player for RCB and was retained by the team.

"If Kohli chose not to take on the captaincy and Rajat Patidar did, then it is certainly a decision influenced by him. At 37, Kohli may wish to concentrate on his batting and prefer a younger player to lead the team, considering the franchise's future. However, Patidar will face considerable challenges," he added.

Patidar made his IPL debut in the 2021 season after being acquired by RCB in the auction. He participated in only four matches before being released for the subsequent season. He went unsold in the 2022 auction but was later signed by RCB as a mid-season replacement.

RCB head coach Andy Flower recently elaborated on the rationale behind the decision, highlighting Patidar's leadership qualities that may enhance his role as captain. "Firstly, Rajat possesses a calmness and simplicity that I believe will greatly benefit him as a leader and captain, especially in the context of the IPL. The IPL is recognized as one of the foremost competitions globally, accompanied by significant pressures. I am confident that Rajat's inherently calm and straightforward nature will serve him exceptionally well amidst the chaos of that tournament," he stated.

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