Kohli began by congratulating Patidar on his new role, emphasizing the significance of the captaincy. In a video shared by RCB’s official social media, Kohli stated, “Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best.” His tone was one of genuine excitement and pride for Patidar’s achievement.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat”: Virat Kohli
“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”… pic.twitter.com/dgjDLm8ZCN
Kohli acknowledged Patidar’s journey within the RCB franchise, praising his development both as a player and as a potential leader. He highlighted how Patidar has not only performed well but has also won the hearts of fans across India. Kohli specifically said, “The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”
One of the key messages from Kohli was the assurance of team support. He explicitly mentioned that both he and the rest of the team would stand behind Patidar, offering guidance and backing. “Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat,” Kohli affirmed, indicating a mentorship role and a collective team effort under Patidar’s leadership.
Kohli also used this opportunity to rally the fans behind their new captain. He requested the 12th Man Army, as RCB fans are affectionately known, to show their support for Patidar. “I would request all the fans to support him, get absolutely behind him. We know that he will do what’s best for the team, what’s best for the franchise,” Kohli urged, emphasizing unity and collective spirit.
Kohli touched upon Patidar’s leadership qualities, pointing out his evolution as a player and his experience leading Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. He praised Patidar’s ability to read the game, suggesting this would be an asset in his captaincy role. Kohli noted, “I’ve seen Rajat evolve as a player over the last couple of years. He’s got the chance to play for India,” reflecting on Patidar’s growth and readiness for the captaincy.
In his messages, Kohli also conveyed optimism about RCB’s future under Patidar. He expressed confidence in Patidar’s ability to lead the team to new heights, acknowledging the responsibility but also the honor of captaining RCB. Kohli’s endorsement was not just about support but also about setting a vision for success, urging everyone to focus on the growth of the team and franchise.
Virat Kohli’s comments after Rajat Patidar’s captaincy announcement were filled with respect, support, and a call for collective backing from both the team and the fans. His words painted a picture of a smooth leadership transition, emphasizing Patidar’s earned right to lead and his potential to guide RCB to success in the IPL 2025 season.