Did Virat Kohli decline RCB captaincy? Srikkanth opines
What's the story
Indian cricket icon, Kris Srikkanth, has hinted that Virat Kohli may have personally decided against taking up the captaincy of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) again for the upcoming IPL season.
The decision was probably made to focus on his batting.
Meanwhile, this comes after speculation about Kohli's return as captain had been rife after he stepped down in 2021.
However, RCB recently announced Rajat Patidar as their skipper for the 2025 season.
Here's more.
New leadership
Srikkanth praises RCB's new captain, Rajat Patidar
Srikkanth also lauded RCB's decision to name Patidar as their new captain.
He said on his YouTube channel Cheeky Cheeka, "I think Virat would have said no to the captaincy. He would have said 'I want to focus on batting.' I think all this must have happened in consultation with Virat Kohli."
Srikkanth further added, "Rajat Patidar is a good choice. He has been doing well in the IPL," he added.
Lowered expectations
Patidar's leadership will be under less pressure: Srikkanth
Srikkanth also drew parallels between Patidar's appointment and MS Dhoni's selection as the T20 World Cup captain in 2007.
He added, "When we appointed Dhoni in 2007 as the T20 World Cup captain, not a lot was expected of him and the team".
"Expectations from Rajat Patidar as a captain are not high. He will take his own calls," Srikkhanth said during his YouTube show.
Enduring influence
Kohli's leadership extends beyond captaincy: RCB's Team Director
Speaking at the official announcement event in Bengaluru, RCB's Team Director Mo Bobat recognized Kohli's continued leadership in the franchise.
He said, "Virat doesn't need a captaincy title to lead. I think leadership, as we've all seen, is one of his strongest instincts."
Bobat also praised Kohli's stellar performance with the bat last season and his energy on and off the field.
Coach's perspective
RCB head coach commends Kohli's professionalism
RCB's head coach Andy Flower also spoke about Kohli's reaction to the decision to appoint a new captain.
He said Kohli was highly professional and supportive of Patidar's appointment.
"In our discussions with Virat, I thought the integrity and maturity that he showed over the subject were of the highest caliber," Flower said.
With Kohli now focusing solely on his batting, RCB hopes to see him return to his explosive best in IPL 2025.
Numbers
Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history
The India batter owns the most runs in IPL history having amassed a whopping 8,004 runs across 17 editions.
Meanwhile, across 252 matches, he boasts a strike rate of 131.97.
In 244 innings he has averaged 38.66 and also owns a record eight tons, (most in IPL history), alongside 55 fifties.
His highest score reads 113* he smashed in the 2024 edition. Notably, he is the only batter in IPL history to cross the 8,000 runs mark.