it looks like the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are left with no option but to name Virat Kohli as the captain for IPL 2025. The team took everyone by surprise by firstly not bidding for KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant and secondly when they did not use the Right to Match (RTM) card for former skipper Faf du Plessis. While Kohli handed over the reins to du Plessis in 2022, he is RCB‘s only safest bet to lead the side once again in 2025, given that none of the other members in the squad are captaincy materials.
Is Virat Kohli RCB’s only choice for captain in IPL 2025?
Virat Kohli has become the face of RCB after being associated with the team since his debut in IPL. He was retained by the franchise for Rs 21 cr, making him one of the highest retentions before IPL 2025. His record as skipper for RCB is impeccable, the least to say. But, Kohli decided to give up captaincy amid a lean patch for the franchise, pretty much at the same time when he gave up the Test captaincy as well.
However, RCB’s “poor strategy” in the auction saw the team buying no other players who were captaincy material. They stayed mum on Day 1 of the event in Jeddah when marquee players went under the hammer – their best chance at finding a new skipper. However, after making just three bids for Karnataka’s own KL Rahul – who was highly expected to make his return to RCB – the team stopped short and pulled out of the bidding war. They did not bother raising the paddle much for Rishabh Pant either.
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Now, stars like Liam Liuvingstone, Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, Devdutt Padikkal, who were picked in IPL 2025 auction are certainly not worthy of being handed the responsibility of captain. Virat Kohli boasts of one of the best captaincy record in IPL and none of the other members of the RCB squad even come close to the star’s feat.
| Matches | Won | Lost | Tied | Draw | No result | Win% |
| 144 | 68 | 72 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 47.22% |
On the other hand, RCB’s strategy at IPL 2025 auction would turn out to be a brilliant idea if they have already decided that Virat Kohli would be the next captain. It then makes sense for the team to steer clear from bidding for Rahul, Pant or du Plessis. RCB director Mo Bobat had said that discussions would be held with the management and the players before a decision is taken on captaincy. However, simply due to the lack of choices, it is inevitable for Virat Kohli to return as the captain for IPL 2025.
RCB full squad for IPL 2025
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee
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Virat Kohli vs rest of RCB: Why Bengaluru has just one "safe" choice for captain in IPL 2025
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