It was the eve of the IPL 2025 retention lists which the fans were waiting for, when other speculations started doing the rounds of the cricketing circles, about the former RCB captain, Virat Kohli, returning as the leader of the Royal Challengers, Bangalore. The conversations grew in volume as the RCB management omitted captain Faf du Plessis from the retention list, enthralling the minds of the supporters, who were convinced that Kohli would retake the captaincy of the team. However, RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat poured cold water on the captaincy speculation around Kohli, stating that the franchise has not taken any call regarding the issue.
Kohli relinquished the reins of RCB after the 2021 season opening the doors for another skipper. The franchise entrusted the role to Du Plessis a former captain of South Africa who was the captain of the side for three years. But now, with the announcement of Du Plessis being released, a question looms large regarding the captaincy of the side in 2025 too.
I apologize for the disappointment I am sure it will cause everyone to listen. We have not made any decision related to captaincy or on that (Kohli returning to lead the squad) as yet. There are always options and we may very well need to do that. The only straightforward decision we made was not to keep Faf. He performed exceptionally well last year, and the year before that. Therefore, for us, going into the auctions, we will maintain a very open approach, quite honestly, Bobat told JioCinema after the announcement of IPL 2025 retentions.
It is understood that the player himself feels a desire to call the shots in the team’s hierarchy, though no development can be confirmed regarding the issue at this point.
Following the retention announcements, RCB coach Any Flower has also shared insight on the reasons for retaining the players Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal prior to the start of the new season.
“We are excited to keep Yash Dayal, an amazing player who is only going to get better. His left arm bowling ability where he can swing the ball both ways is an addition that enhances our bowling line up – which is becoming more and more less attended to in the auctions,” he said.
“Our team values Rajat Patidar’s contribution. His extraordinary ability and courage have helped our team considerably, and he is the true definition of RCB. It will be interesting to see him grow and do well in the following season,” the Zimbabwe legend said.
