Virat Kohli, former captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has extended warm wishes to Rajat Patidar, who has been appointed as the new skipper of the franchise for IPL 2025. Patidar, a top-order batter, will succeed Faf du Plessis after the South African was released by the franchise last year.
In a video message played during the function to announce Patidar’s appointment, Kohli said that the batter deserves this immense chance to lead RCB.
“Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you.” Kohli said. “Wish you all of the very best. Thank you for the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed. You’ve 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. This is very well deserved. And to tell you that myself and the other team players will be right behind you. And you will have all our support to grow into this role,” Kohli was quoted saying in a video at the press conference.”
Kohli acknowledged that leading RCB, a franchise yet to win an IPL title, is going to be challenging but is expecting Patidar will soon embrace this role.
“Of course, it’s a big responsibility. I’ve done it 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 honour for you. And I’m very, very happy for you,” Kohli said. “You have earned the right to be in this position. And I’m very sure you’ll grow from strength to strength. I’ve seen Rajat evolve as a player over the last couple of years He’s got the chance to play for India,” Kohli added.
This will be Patidar’s first tenure as captain for an IPL franchise. He led his state side, Madhya Pradesh, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time during this season.
In the semi-finals, Patidar led Madhya Pradesh to a defeat at the hands of Mumbai. He scored a total of 428 runs during the tournament at an explosive strike rate of 186.08.
“Patidar’s game has improved a lot in the last couple of years. He has shown his capabilities in the leadership department in the way he led his state team. And he has shown everyone that he is capable of leading this amazing franchise. I wish him all the very best, and I request all the fans to back him in full style,” Kohli said.
“And we have to stand together behind him. No matter what, the most important thing is the team. The most important thing is the franchise. And we all have to work towards the growth of this amazing team and this amazing franchise. My best wishes to him. Lots of love to all the fans. Looking forward to see you all soon. And looking forward to have Rajat start off the season with a bang,” he concluded.
