RCB fans are different. While other teams can’t even fill the stands during matches, Chinnaswamy Stadium was full to capacity for a practice session!
Thousands of passionate fans turned up, cheering for Virat Kohli and the team as they hit the nets ahead of IPL 2025.
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In the midst of all this, former captain Kohli took the mic and surprised everyone with a strong and clear endorsement of RCB’s new captain, Rajat Patidar. In front of a fully charged crowd, Kohli said:
“This guy is going to lead you for a long time. He will be a great leader. He has everything to succeed.”
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As Chinnaswamy Stadium erupted in applause, it was clear RCB fans were all in for their new captain. But was this just passing of the torch or was there more to it?
When RCB announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain, everyone was shocked. He was in the running but not many thought the franchise would make him the captain. An uncapped IPL player!
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However, Patidar’s journey with RCB has been nothing short of phenomenal.
He’s been with RCB since 2021 but truly made headlines in 2022 when he smashed a historic 112 in the playoffs* against Lucknow Super Giants becoming the first uncapped player to hit a century in an IPL knockout match.
He has domestic captaincy experience of leading Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he took them to the finals. He was the 2nd highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Last season he played 15 matches for RCB, scored 395 runs, including 5 half-centuries.
So RCB back him to be their 8th captain replacing Faf du Plessis who has moved to Delhi Capitals.
Kohli’s words weren’t just praise they were a clear message. For years RCB’s leadership has been under scanner.
With a new captain in place Kohli wanted to ensure team unity and fan support from day one.
Some see this as Kohli closing the door on his own captaincy, making it clear RCB is moving on with Patidar.
Others see it as Kohli wanting to make sure Patidar doesn’t feel the pressure of taking on such a big role alone.
One thing is for sure if anyone doubted RCB’s new captain Kohli’s words changed the narrative.
RCB have had some of the biggest names in cricket as captains Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Faf du Plessis and yet no IPL trophies.
Now a relatively young and fearless captain gets his chance. Can this unexpected choice finally bring RCB the title they’ve been chasing for 18 years? Or will the weight of expectation be too much?
RCB have always had the firepower but they’ve never had the finish. The atmosphere at Chinnaswamy tells you one thing RCB fans still believe.
With Kohli’s backing a young and determined captain and a stadium full of fans screaming their lungs out even for practice sessions can 2025 finally be RCB’s year?
One thing is for sure this IPL season will be the most exciting ever for RCB.
