Kris Srikkanth believes that Virat Kohli himself may have chosen not to return as the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), prioritizing his batting for the upcoming IPL season. Srikkanth also praised RCB’s decision to appoint Rajat Patidar as their new skipper, suggesting that the reduced expectations on the 31-year-old will allow him to lead without immense pressure.
RCB’s announcement on February 13 surprised many, as fans and analysts speculated whether Kohli would reclaim the leadership role he had relinquished in 2021. However, speaking on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, Srikkanth suggested that Kohli might have made the conscious decision to step aside and allow a fresh face like Patidar to take charge. He pointed out that a similar approach had been taken with MS Dhoni in 2007 when he was appointed as India’s T20 World Cup captain despite not being an obvious choice at the time.
"Rajat Patidar is a good choice. He has been performing well in the IPL. The good thing is that he will not be under too much scrutiny or pressure. When Dhoni was named captain in 2007, no one had any major expectations, and the same could apply here. Sometimes, when there’s no burden of expectations, a captain can make better decisions and express himself more freely. Patidar will take his own calls, but he will also have Kohli as a strong guiding force," Srikkanth explained.
During RCB’s official announcement event in Bengaluru, Team Director Mo Bobat acknowledged Kohli’s enduring leadership role within the franchise, even in seasons when he wasn’t officially captain. He emphasized that leadership is something that comes naturally to Kohli, and his presence in the dressing room remains crucial for the team’s morale and decision-making. Kohli, despite stepping away from the role, continues to be an integral part of the leadership group.
Kohli led RCB for nine consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2021, during which the team showed promise but ultimately failed to clinch an IPL title. Although he never lifted the trophy as captain, his tenure helped shape RCB’s identity as one of the most competitive teams in the league. His aggressive and passionate approach to the game resonated with fans and teammates alike.
RCB’s head coach, Andy Flower, also weighed in on Kohli’s response to Patidar’s appointment. Flower revealed that Kohli was highly professional in handling the decision and completely supported Patidar taking over the role. The former Indian skipper understands the importance of a well-balanced leadership structure and is expected to mentor Patidar while focusing entirely on his own batting.
With Kohli no longer having the additional responsibility of leading the side, RCB hopes that he will rediscover his most dominant form in IPL 2025. His return to peak batting performance could significantly boost the team’s chances of finally securing their first IPL title, a feat that has eluded them for so many years. Fans will be eager to see if this new leadership change can bring a fresh perspective and finally deliver the long-awaited trophy for the franchise.
