IPL 2025: Virat Kohli's RCB captaincy openly demanded by AB de Villiers; franchise thoughtful?

Following the conclusion of the mega auction in Jeddah, AB de Villiers stunned the cricketing world by revealing Virat Kohli's dramatic return as the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming IPL 2025.

With Royal Challengers Bengaluru yet to finalize their captain for the upcoming season, speculation is rife that Virat Kohli, their iconic leader from 2013 to 2021, could once again take charge, as they have not picked any player of leadership caliber.

AB de Villiers confirms Virat Kohli’s possible return as RCB captain

Fans, already nostalgic for the Virat Kohli era, are hoping for his comeback as the RCB captain and for his help for the side to finally bring the elusive IPL trophy to Bengaluru. His tenure as RCB captain has seen electrifying performances and heartbreakingly close moments, including a memorable run to the final in 2016.

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With four playoff appearances under his captaincy, the dashing right-hander emerged as a strong contender to lead the Bengaluru outfit once again in the world’s biggest T20 extravaganza. RCB’s roster for IPL 2025 boasts a mix of fresh talent and seasoned campaigners, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, but they do not have much experience as captains.

Virat Kohli's unparalleled experience and deep connection with the franchise make him the obvious choice to don the captain's hat once again. And now the RCB legend AB de Villiers has dropped a bombshell, as he confirmed Virat Kohli’s return as Bengaluru captain in the IPL 2025.

AB de Villiers said on his official YouTube channel on Virat Kohli: “I don't think it has been confirmed yet, but he will be the captain, I think, looking at the squad.”

RCB’s well-rounded squad gets AB de Villiers’ approval for IPL 2025

The legendary has expressed his satisfaction with RCB's squad for the next season, especially highlighting their strong pace attack. De Villiers has pointed out the inclusion of players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood as key strengths.

However, he acknowledged that Royal Challengers Bengaluru missed out on a few targets but emphasized the value of signing Lungi Ngidi, praising his effective slower ball and potential to be a formidable player when in form and fit.

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The former South African skipper noted, “We got Bhuvneshwar Kumar; happy with Josh Hazlewood. We did miss out on a couple here and there. Rabada was close, but at least we got Lungi Ngidi. He's got a wonderful slower ball; if he is in form and fit, he is a force to be reckoned with.”

RCB's lack of match-winning spinner worries AB de Villiers as they missed Ravichandran Ashwin

The former RCB batter acknowledged losing Ravichandran Ashwin to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but expressed confidence in the well-rounded squad’s potential to dominate at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in the next IPL season.

AB de Villiers added, “We missed out on Ravichandran Ashwin. CSK got him, but I am very happy to see him in the yellow jersey again. But all in all, I'm fairly happy. It's a well-balanced squad; we are missing a match-winning spinner, but hopefully, we are able to balance the squad in such a manner that we make Chinnaswamy a fortress. This squad should work at Chinnaswamy.”

However, the Proteas legend admitted that RCB doesn’t have match-winning spinners who turn both ways, and it could pose challenges in away games in the IPL 2025. He signed off by saying, “On the road, I feel we might miss out on someone who turns both ways.”