After months of speculation that Virat Kohli will return as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain for the 2025 season, the franchise confirmed that it will not be the case as Rajat Patidar was named as Faf du Plessis' replacement ahead of the 18th edition.

Patidar's appointment as captain is the latest step in a fairytale stay at the franchise after being picked up for his base price of Rs. 20 lakhs by the franchise in 2021. Patidar went unsold in the 2022 IPL mega auction before coming in as an injury replacement in the 2022 season. Since then, there has been looking back for the right-handed batter, who has become a pillar of their batting order and was retained for a whopping Rs. 11 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction.

Virat Kohli hailed Patidar for his appointment as captain and stated it is a position he has earned. Kohli also requested RCB fans to get behind the 31-year-old and offered him his full support.

"Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you, wish you all the very best, and to tell you that the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you have 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."

"So, this is very well deserved. And I want to tell you that myself and the other team members will be right behind you, and you'll have all our support to grow into this role. Of course, it's a big responsibility. I've done this 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. You have earned the right to be in this position, and I'm sure you will grow from strength to strength," Kohli said in a video posted by RCB.

"I've seen Rajat evolve in the last couple of years as a player. He's got the chance to play for India. His game has improved many levels in the last couple of years. The way he has led his state team as well, and the responsibility that he's taken, and he's shown everyone that he has what it takes to lead this amazing franchise.

"I just wish him all the very best, and I would request all the fans to show him absolute support, get right behind him, and know that he will always and always do what's best for the team, what's best for this franchise, and we must all get together and support him because. Regardless of what happens, who does what, the most important thing is the team and the most important thing is the franchise, and we all have a responsibility to work towards the growth of this amazing team and this amazing franchise. Sending my best wishes to him and sending all the fans lots of love and looking forward to seeing you all soon and looking forward to have Rajat start off the season," Kohli added.

Meanwhile, former skipper Faf du Plessis, who will for Delhi Capitals in the 2025 IPL also posted a heartfelt message for his successor. Faf was not retained by RCB ahead of the mega auction

Faf led the franchise from the 2022 season for three years in which they reached the playoffs twice. Kohli is the Bengaluru-based outfit's longest-serving captain in history having led on a permanent basis from 2013 to 2021. He also captained the team in a few matches in 2011, 2012, and 2023.

Kohli is the only player in IPL history to play all 17 seasons for the same franchise. The ex-skipper will extend the record in 2025 after being retained for Rs. 21 crore.

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