RCB Set for Surprise Captaincy Announcement; Virat Kohli Declines Role – Two Indians in Contention
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to announce their new captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season on Thursday, February 13, but reports suggest a surprising twist—Virat Kohli will not be returning as captain despite widespread expectations.
Kohli Declines Captaincy Role Despite Speculation
According to a report by Times of India, Virat Kohli has officially communicated his decision to the RCB management, stating that he will not take up the leadership role. This news comes as a shock to fans who anticipated his return as skipper following the departure of Faf du Plessis, who led the team for the past three seasons.
Kohli, who captained RCB from 2013 to 2021, stepped down after the 2021 season, citing the need to focus on his batting. However, RCB’s failure to acquire a proven captain at the 2025 IPL mega auction left many assuming that Kohli might reassume the responsibility.
The franchise’s management has reportedly been holding internal discussions over the past few weeks, evaluating senior players within the squad for the leadership role. With no foreign captaincy option in sight, the team is now set to name a new Indian captain.
Who Will Lead RCB? Two Indian Contenders Emerge
With Kohli opting out, RCB is looking internally for their next leader, and reports suggest that two Indian players have emerged as the frontrunners for the job:
Rajat Patidar – The Surprise Front-Runner?
🚀 Why He’s a Contender:
- The 31-year-old was one of only three players retained by RCB ahead of the 2025 season, alongside Kohli and Glenn Maxwell.
- He was retained for ₹11 crore, signaling RCB’s long-term vision for him.
- Currently captains Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, showcasing leadership experience.
- A key part of RCB’s batting order and a reliable middle-order player.
🔴 Why It’s a Surprise:
- Has never captained an IPL team before.
- He is still relatively inexperienced at the highest level compared to seasoned IPL captains.
Despite his lack of IPL leadership experience, Patidar has been a consistent performer for RCB, and his elevation to captaincy would mark a bold new direction for the franchise.
Krunal Pandya – The Experienced IPL Leader
🚀 Why He’s a Contender:
- Has IPL captaincy experience, having led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2023 for eight matches after KL Rahul was ruled out due to injury.
- A proven leader in domestic cricket, captaining Baroda for several seasons.
- Was bought for ₹5.75 crore at the 2025 auction, signaling that RCB values his leadership skills.
- A three-time IPL winner (with Mumbai Indians), bringing championship experience to the table.
🔴 Why He Might Not Get the Nod:
- New to RCB’s setup – Unlike Patidar, Krunal is new to the franchise and has yet to establish himself in the squad.
- Not a guaranteed starter – His place in the playing XI might not be as secure as Patidar’s.
While Krunal brings leadership experience, Patidar has the advantage of being a retained player and a long-term prospect. The decision will depend on whether RCB prefers stability (Patidar) or proven leadership (Krunal).
Why RCB Didn’t Opt for a Foreign Captain
🚀 Faf du Plessis’ Exit & Lack of Overseas Options
- Faf du Plessis, who captained RCB from 2022 to 2024, was not retained or bought at the auction, marking the end of his tenure with the team.
- RCB did not purchase a ready-made captain in the mega auction despite having one of the biggest purses available.
- The team focused on Indian leadership this time, rather than relying on a foreign skipper.
Kohli’s Future with RCB – Will He Captain Again?
Virat Kohli has been the face of RCB for over a decade, and while he has chosen not to return as captain, he remains the heart of the franchise. His decision suggests that he is fully focused on his batting, with an eye on upcoming international assignments, including:
🏏 IPL 2025 – Kohli will continue to be RCB’s key batting mainstay.
🏆 Champions Trophy 2025 – Likely a critical part of India’s campaign.
🌎 T20 World Cup 2026 – Kohli’s form will be crucial for India’s chances.
Even though he has stepped away from captaincy, his influence on RCB’s decision-making will likely remain strong.
Final Decision to be Revealed on February 13
With RCB set to officially announce their captain on Thursday (February 13), all eyes will be on whether they go with the aggressive, fearless Rajat Patidar or the experienced, IPL-proven Krunal Pandya.
Regardless of the decision, this marks a new chapter for RCB, and their fans will be eagerly waiting to see if their next leader can finally bring home the elusive IPL trophy. 🏆🔴🔥
Key Points
✅ Virat Kohli declines RCB captaincy for IPL 2025
✅ RCB to name a new captain on February 13
✅ Two Indians in contention: Rajat Patidar & Krunal Pandya
✅ Patidar is a retained player, while Krunal has IPL leadership experience
✅ Faf du Plessis was not retained or repurchased at the auction
✅ RCB focusing on Indian leadership instead of overseas captains
🚨 Who will RCB choose as their new leader? Stay tuned for the official announcement! 🔥🏏
What’s Your Take?
Who do you think should be RCB’s next captain? Patidar or Krunal? Or should Kohli have taken the role? Let us know your thoughts! 🚀💬
