Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed Rajat Patidar as the new captain for IPL 2025. The announcement was made on Thursday February 13, at an event attended by team director Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and Patidar himself.

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Former RCB captain and Indian national cricket team legend Virat Kohli extended his warm wishes in a video message. He said : 

"Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you. Wish you all the very best. Thank you for the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed. You have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB all over India. And they get really excited to watch you play. So, this is very well deserved. And to tell you that myself and the other team members will be right behind you. And you will have all our support to grow into this role."

Kohli added that leading RCB is a huge honor and acknowledged Patidar's hard work and dedication over the years. "I just wish him all the best, and request all the fans to show him support and get behind him," he said. He urged everyone to support the team and the franchise, adding, "We must all get behind him and support him. The most important thing is the team and the franchise, so we should get behind him. Looking forward to seeing Rajat start off the new season with a bang." Kohli added.

At 31 years old, Rajat Patidar was one of the three players retained by the RCB franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction proving his value to the team. Kohli believes that Patidar has earned his place and is confident that he will lead RCB to new heights.