IPL 2025: Virat Kohli confirmed as new RCB captain by Ravichandran Ashwin

India National Cricket Team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin made a massive statement on the captaincy of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He strongly believes that Virat Kohli will be leading the team as they have no other captaincy option.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru were one of the teams that had a great time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction in 2025. The Bengaluru-based franchise made great additions to the team and ensured that they get their balance right going into the next season of the league.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru added Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone Bhuvneshwar Kumar among some big names in the auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru added Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage and Jacob Bethell to the team.

But one thing that caught the attention of many was the Royal Challengers Bengaluru didn't go for any captaincy option. Even though they had money and the option to go for several big players, they didn't, and this raised a lot of speculations about the leaders of the team.

I think Virat Kohli is going to captain that side - Ravichandran Ashwin

Amid all this, Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Virat Kohli will be the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He said the team doesn't have any other option other than the premier batter. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained:

“In all likelihood, I think Virat Kohli is going to captain that side. That's the feeling I get because they haven't gone for a captain. Unless and until they are going to go with somebody else. I don't see anyone other than Virat as captain."

Ahead of the auction, a lot of reports emerged that Virat Kohli will be leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. It was learned that Virat Kohli himself had told the management that they would be taking up the role, and the franchise would soon be making a call with him related to the same.

I personally think they had a terrific auction - Ravichandran Ashwin on Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Ravichandran Ashwin further lauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru for having a terrific auction. He pointed out how the team waited for the players despite having a lot of money. While talking about their strategy, he explained:

"I actually personally think they had a terrific auction. They balanced it and waited it out. Many teams came into this auction with many crores in their purses. They came blazing right in the front but RCB played the waiting game even though they had a lot of money. Who do I need? They are the ones I need. My overall team is important. My 12 or 14 is important.

“What will work in our conditions? I want that sort of a side. I need that team. Even though I have RTMs, I am not going to use them. I will end up picking who I want. I will follow the strategy till the end."

Also Read: Watch: India's new ODI jersey unveiled by Jay Shah, Harmanpreet Kaur in Mumbai