There have been strong speculations that former franchise captain and star batsman Virat Kohli could take the reins of captaincy once again.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is one of the few teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that is yet to lift its first title. Ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 season, when they once again set their sights on the trophy, the RCB management will have the crucial task of choosing their next leader after Faf du Plessis was sacked ahead of the retention deadline.
Interestingly, there have been speculations that former franchise captain and star batsman Virat Kohli could take the reins of captaincy once again. However, RCB director of cricket Mo Babat has rubbished those rumours.
Echoing the same line, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa named the player to whom RCB should consider handing over leadership responsibilities.
Uthappa said on JioCinema: “I think they should consider Rajat Patidar to take up that role because it seems like a new leader is needed after two years. So, you might as well do it now to get ahead of the curve and build a captain for the next three to five years. Rajat is one of those players who can really play that role for them.”
Rajat Patidar has been signed by RCB for INR 11 crores
Rajat Patidar demonstrated his importance to the team in the 2024 season, after a notable absence in 2023 due to an Achilles injury. He became a crucial contributor to RCB’s middle order, amassing 395 runs in 15 games and playing a key role in their remarkable turnaround during the second half of the season. Apart from Virat Kohli, Patidar emerged as one of the most sought-after Indian batsmen in the team.
Notably, Patidar was the second player on RCB’s retention list, after Kohli, and the franchise secured him for INR 11 crore. Since making his debut in 2021, he has participated in 27 games with the team.
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His impressive performances in IPL boosted his domestic career, earning him a call-up to the national team. He represented India in three Tests and one ODI and is currently playing for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy.
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