"Most Clueless Franchise Ever"- Twitter reacts to Rajat Patidar's announcement as RCB captain instead of Virat Kohli
Published - 13 Feb 2025, 12:22 PM | Updated - 13 Feb 2025, 12:56 PM
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Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar were in the mix to become the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) new captain ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025). Apart from Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Jitesh Sharma were other captaincy candidates.
However, in a surprising twist, the Madhya Pradesh batter Patidar has beaten the experienced Virat Kohli to succeed Faf du Plessis as the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). On Thursday, February 14, the RCB COO, Rajesh Menon, made the announcement.
Rajat Patidar becomes RCB's new captain ahead of the IPL 2025
Patidar, who was told last year to 'be ready' for RCB captaincy, became the 8th captain for the franchise in the IPL. Earlier, Rahul Dravid, Daniel Vettori, Shane Watson, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, and Anil Kumble led the Bengaluru-based franchise in the tournament.
As the RCB COO, Rajesh Menon presented the blue blazer and red cap to Patidar; Director of Cricket Mo Bobat and head coach Andy Flower shared the stage. As Rajat takes the reins of the RCB, the former captain, Faf du Plessis, wished him all the luck for his new journey.
Faf du Plessis stated, “I'm officially passing over the baton. It's really special being a captain of RCB. Have a great time as captain; make sure you lean on the leadership. Most importantly, keep whacking those sixes.”
After the announcement, the RCB fans have been expressing their views on the surprising news. Many fans are excited for the new era, while many fans are demanding Kohli to lead the side. However, some fans are not happy with Patidar's appointment, given his international status.
Here's how RCB fans react to the appointment of Rajat Patidar as new captain:
Are you guys happy, Rajat Patidar is our new RCB captain😉😉#RajatPatidar #Rcbcaptain pic.twitter.com/8q7m3pVwsD
— Cricket × Film (@CricketxMovie) February 13, 2025
New era, new leadership! Rajat Patidar takes charge as the captain of @RCBTweets Congratulations to him on this exciting journey! #RCB #Rcbcaptain #RajatPatidar #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/TBYbohK8zC
— Ashish Pandey🇮🇳 (@ashishpande1129) February 13, 2025
Hope he continues the OG streak! 🔥🔥#newera #Rcbcaptain https://t.co/474YYlTGfE
— PRATIK PAWAR ❁ (@PraTiksol45) February 13, 2025
Congratulations skip Rajat 🫂🤍
— Santosh vk 18 (@VK18foreverrr) February 13, 2025
So happy for you
Speaks less , introvert guy , very calm and as faf said keep hitting sixes
12th army is will be always behind you ♥️#IPL2025 #RajatPatidar #Rcbcaptain pic.twitter.com/53vIBd3KxI
31 going on 32 year old Patidar has been named RCB Captain
— ChikO (@TheIndianLad_18) February 13, 2025
He so far has played only 1 full season in IPL
It'll be interesting to see how long this chapter is
So CSK & RCB both have captains who aren't in Int'l setup#IPL2025 #RajatPatidar #Rcbcaptain pic.twitter.com/VcN9IMNxVn
Captain RAJAT PATIDAR ERA BEGINS!
— abhi¹⁸ (@CricCineHub) February 13, 2025
Happy for him, just hoping it doesn't affect his batting! #RajatPatidar #Rcbcaptain https://t.co/Gk3mHv5Pvv
We need king virat kohli as captain 🥳 #Rcbcaptain #ViratKohli#RCB #IPL2025 #ViratKohli𓃵 #RCBCaptainYaaru #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/RdaZyBAMkK
— Subha (@StarFanSubha) February 13, 2025
Rajat Patidar is the new RCB captain. Virat Kohli congratulates him in a special video and wishes him best of luck. #RajatPatidar #ViratKohli #Rcbcaptain #RCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/TviobNpsxg
— Sumit Ghosh (@SumitG71) February 13, 2025
Socha thaa Kohli Saab fir se RCB ka captain Banenge. 😭😭💔#ViratKohli #RajatPatidar #Rcbcaptain pic.twitter.com/UprYJx1eIo
— ® (@Craze4Kohli) February 13, 2025
Andy Flower reveals why Rajat Patidar named as the RCB captain
On the other hand, Andy Flower said that the way Rajat "cares about the people around him" and his charisma to instantly command respect from other people, apart from having a "stubbornness, strength, and steeliness" that played a key role in appointing him the captain.
Flower also revealed Kohli fully supported Rajat Patidar's appointment as the RCB’s new captain and hailed his true sportsmanship. The coach added, “In our discussions with Virat, I thought the integrity and maturity that he showed over the subject were of the highest caliber.”
Mo Bobat reveals why Virat Kohli not considered for the captaincy
Meanwhile, Mo Bobat revealed why Virat Kohli was not considered for the captaincy. The RCB Director of Cricket said that they wanted someone with local expertise who would be better for the team’s long-term vision. He stressed that Kohli doesn’t need the title of captain, as he will continue to be a guiding force behind the scenes to the new captain, Patidar.
Mo Bobat told the media, “We felt strongly an Indian captain was preferable. We spoke glowingly about Faf, but primarily because it's an Indian competition on Indian pitches. Someone with local expertise was important. We know the fans would have leaned towards Virat, but he doesn't need a title to lead.
Leadership is one of his strongest assets. He sets the tone with his energy. Faf leaned on him, Andy and I lean on him, and I'm sure Rajat will too. He had a lot of energy and excitement for this decision; he was pleased for Rajat. It's brilliant to know he's right behind it.”
