RCB Head Coach Andy Flower offers this bizarre explanation behind Rajat Patidar's captaincy appointment

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) appointed Rajat Patidar as the team's new captain for the IPL 2025 season. After the appointment, RCB head coach Andy Flower opened up on the decision and revealed the reasoning behind Patidar's appointment for the role.

Rajat Patidar was among the contenders for the captaincy. However, with several proven performers like Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, it seemed difficult for Patidar to be given this responsibility.

But the RCB team management decided to trust the Madhya Pradesh batter, who has the experience of leading his domestic side as well. The RCB fans will be hoping for a change in the team's fortunes under Patidar.

Also read: Virat Kohli issues an official statement on Rajat Patidar becoming the new RCB captain instead of him

Andy Flower on Rajat Patidar's elevation to captaincy

RCB head coach Andy Flower spoke about Patidar's elevation to the captaincy. When asked about the decision, Flower claimed that Patidar has the traits to be a leader and he was watched closely when he was leading his domestic team Madhya Pradesh this season.

"Rajat (Patidar) has the simplicity, cares about the people around him, we have closely see how he led Madhya Pradesh, we really liked it," Flower said.

🗣️: "Rajat has the simplicity, cares about the people around him, we have closely see how he led Madhya Pradesh, we really liked it"

- Andy Flower, Head Coach #PlayBold #RCBCaptain #Rajat #RajatPatidar #IPL2025 #PatidarPattabhisheka

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025

Patidar had a brilliant domestic season leading his side Madhya Pradesh. His performance as a batter went to another level and he scored heavily in both the domestic white-ball tournaments.

In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Patidar emerged as the highest-run scorer with 428 runs in 10 matches at an average of 61.14 and a strike rate of 186.08. His performance helped Madhya Pradesh reach the final where they lost to Mumbai.

"Virat Kohli likes Rajat Patidar" - Andy Flower

Andy Flower even indicated that Virat Kohli likes Rajat Patidar as a player which helped in making this decision an easier one. Flower hailed Patidar'd destructive batting for the turn in RCB's fortunes last year.

"Virat (Kohli) likes Rajat (Patidar) as a player & person - that relationship will help us a lot - he was a huge part of turning the season during the last year, supporting Faf (du Plessis) and that only helped to increase my respect for him," the head coach added.

Andy flower said "Virat likes Rajat as a player & person - that relationship will help us a lot - he was a huge part of turning the season during the last year, supporting Faf and that only helped to increase my respect for him". pic.twitter.com/LJVtFiHfvi

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2025

Faf du Plessis led RCB in the last three seasons. However, the franchise didn't bid for him this time and decided to look into the future. Virat Kohli has said a few positive things about Patidar in the past as well.

Rajat Patidar's impressive IPL numbers

Rajat Patidar has great IPL numbers and has been one of the best performing domestic players in the last few seasons. He smashed 395 runs last season in 15 matches at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 177.13.

Overall, he has scored 799 runs in 27 matches at an average of 34.74 and a strike rate of 158.85 with 1 hundred and 7 fifties. RCB will hope for a turnaround in fortunes under his leadership.