Rajat Patidar has opened up about the role Virat Kohli played in his rise as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), saying the support of his childhood idol gave him immense confidence.
Patidar was appointed RCB captain ahead of IPL 2025 after the franchise decided not to retain Faf du Plessis as skipper. Kohli, who had previously led the team for several seasons, was considered a possible captaincy option. However, RCB management eventually chose Patidar, with Kohli strongly supporting the decision.
According to Patidar, Kohli told him that he had earned the right to lead the team and assured him that the entire squad would stand behind him. That faith proved significant as Patidar went on to lead RCB to their first IPL title in 2025. The franchise then successfully defended the title in 2026.
Speaking to Sports Launchpad, Patidar said Kohli’s support carried special meaning because of the admiration he had for the former India captain since childhood.
“If your idol backs you, then you don’t need anything more,” Patidar said. He recalled watching Kohli closely during his playing days, paying attention not only to his batting but also to his preparation and routine away from the field.
Patidar admitted that he did not know exactly what Kohli had seen in him that made him recommend him for the captaincy. However, he said the senior batter had consistently supported him both as a player and as captain.
Leading RCB was never going to be an easy responsibility. The franchise has one of the biggest fan bases in the IPL, and expectations were particularly high after years of waiting for a championship. Kohli’s endorsement therefore gave Patidar added confidence as he stepped into the demanding role.
While Kohli no longer holds the captaincy, his influence within RCB remains significant. For Patidar, the journey has also been deeply personal. The player he had admired for years eventually became one of the key figures backing his leadership.
Patidar’s successful first season as captain ultimately justified that belief, as RCB finally ended their long wait for an IPL trophy.
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