Robbin Uthappa Backs Rajat Patidar Over Virat Kohli as RCB Captain for IPL 2025: A Bold Leadership Call

The cricketing world is rife with speculations as two-time IPL champion Robbin Uthappa suggested an astonishing alternative to Virat Kohli for the captaincy at Royal Challengers Bangalore. Although RCB recently confirmed that Kohli will be back at the helm for IPL 2025, Uthappa has thrown his support behind the franchise's up-and-coming star Rajat Patidar as the better long-term choice.

Uthappa said on JioCinema, "RCB should think of Rajat Patidar as captain now. Building a new leadership foundation for the next three to five years is imperative. Patidar is really talented, consistent, and can rise up for the challenge.

Why Rajat Patidar?

Patidar has consolidated his position as a bankable batsman for RCB given his impressive outings for the side in the earlier seasons of the IPL. Uthappa feels that Patidar's natural calmness and cricketing acumen make him a good fit to lead this side. According to him, shifting leadership now would further help RCB prepare for the future while forming a side around a promising leader.

Retained Players and Strategy of Auction by RCB

It retains just three players-virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal-and goes into IPL 2025 with a major bang in its purse. That's the overhaul the Bengaluru-based franchise appears to undergo. Players like Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj were released. But RCB might use the Right to Match card on some of them, mainly Jacks, whomsaid Uthappa is keen to have in his ship for his versatility.

Jacks can bat at No. 2 and contribute with the ball on slower pitches in cities like Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad,” Uthappa noted. However, he advised against using the RTM for Siraj, emphasizing Jacks’ all-around utility.

Kohli’s Return and Patidar’s Future

Kohli’s return as captain is viewed as a move to bring stability and experience back to the team. However, Uthappa’s bold suggestion of Rajat Patidar reflects a growing sentiment that RCB needs to look beyond the current season. With Kohli at the helm, Patidar could gain valuable leadership exposure, setting him up as a successor in the next few years.

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