Virat Kohli is set to captain the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, according to recent updates from franchise officials.
This announcement comes after RCB parted ways with Faf du Plessis, who led the team for the past three seasons.
Kohli’s return to leadership has been a topic of speculation among fans and analysts, and it appears that the franchise is leaning towards reinstating him as captain.
Official Statements and Speculations
In a recent interview, RCB’s COO Rajesh Menon addressed the question of Virat Kohli captaincy, stating, “Currently we have not decided anything. We have multiple leaders in the team. 4-5 leaders are there. We have not deliberated what we need to do. We will deliberate, and we will come to a conclusion.”
This statement, however, has not quelled the excitement surrounding Kohli’s potential return as captain.
The speculation gained further traction when AB de Villiers, a former RCB star and close friend of Kohli, confirmed in a YouTube video that Kohli would indeed take up the captaincy role for IPL 2025.
De Villiers’ insights have added credibility to the rumors and heightened anticipation among fans eager to see Kohli back at the helm.
Kohli’s Leadership History
Kohli has a rich history with RCB, having captained the team from 2013 until he stepped down in 2021.
Under his leadership, RCB played 143 matches, winning 66 and losing 70, while finishing as runners-up in the IPL 2016 season.
His tenure was marked by impressive individual performances, including a record-breaking season where he scored 973 runs in 2016.
Despite stepping down from captaincy duties, Kohli has continued to be a pivotal figure within the team, often stepping in as captain during critical moments when needed.
His experience and leadership qualities make him an ideal candidate to lead RCB as they aim for their first IPL title.
RCB’s Squad Dynamics
With the IPL 2025 mega auction recently concluded, RCB has made several strategic signings to strengthen their squad.
Notable additions include Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Tim David. Menon emphasized that the franchise had a clear vision for addressing gaps in their lineup and building a strong Indian core.
The team’s recent performance has been under scrutiny, especially after finishing sixth in 2023 despite reaching the playoffs in previous seasons.
The management is hopeful that Kohli’s leadership can galvanize the squad and drive them towards success in IPL 2025.