Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter AB de Villiers lauded Virat Kohli for supporting the franchise’s decision to appoint Rajat Patidar as captain. The South African feels Virat would have liked to be the captain again but thought it would be better to pass on the leadership baton to Patidar from the franchise’s future point of view.
After Faf du Plessis was not retained by RCB, it was reported that Virat Kohli could take back the captaincy onus. However, in the end, the head coach Andy Flower, and the Director of Cricket Mo Bobat decided to back Rajat Patidar.
Patidar led Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and also led his state team to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.
AB de Villiers said on Star Sports Press Room, “It was a very mature reaction from Virat — because in one of his last seasons, perhaps, maybe he would have liked to be captain. But for him to go, ‘you know what guys, I feel this is a bigger and better move for the future of RCB,’ I think that’s fantastic. Only time will tell, right? You’ll see how they operate as a team on the park and if Virat really has the back of Rajat Patidar. I’m very sure he will.”
“Andy Flower must have been thinking about this for a long time along with Mo Bobat. I’m sure they came up with a strategy where they maybe felt like it’s time for a fresh look as captain. They would definitely have had discussions with Virat and obviously he gave them the nod. I don’t necessarily think Virat turned down. But he is in favor of the decision which was the most important thing.”
On the other hand, Virat Kohli backed Rajat Patidar to deliver the goods as a leader for RCB.
“He [Patidar] is an amazing talent. He is a great player, we all know that, but he has got a great head on his shoulders, and he will do a great job for this amazing franchise and take the team forward. He has got everything that’s required.”
Meanwhile, Patidar scored 396 runs in 13 innings in IPL 2024 at a blistering strike rate of 177.13 and thus played an instrumental role in taking the franchise to the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.
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