RCB director drops captaincy bombshell, Virat Kohli was ready for big role; but later franchise insisted...

Mo Bobat revealed that there were discussions with Kohli after the 2024 season about the captaincy, and he was ready to take over the charge again.

Updated on: Mar 3, 2026, 17:17:28 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Virat Kohli’s bond with Royal Challengers Bengaluru stands apart in the history of the Indian Premier League. Since the tournament began in 2008, he has stayed with the same franchise, becoming the only player to represent one team for 18 straight seasons. Over the years, the star batter has repeatedly made it clear that he sees himself finishing his IPL journey in RCB colours, insisting he has never imagined playing for another side in the league.

Virat Kohli won the IPL title with RCB last season. (REUTERS)

That long-standing commitment was finally rewarded last season when RCB defeated Punjab Kings in the final to clinch their maiden IPL title. The victory ended years of near misses and heartbreak for the Bengaluru outfit. For Kohli, it was a deeply emotional moment, having come agonisingly close to the trophy on multiple occasions before, to at last lift the silverware that had eluded him for so long.

RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat revealed that there were discussions with Kohli after the 2024 season about the captaincy, and he was ready to take over the charge again.

“Andy and I met him in London not long after the 2024 season and talked about that. He's always ready to step forward and lead. He doesn't need a second invitation,” Bobat said on the RCB podcast.

However, RCB looked for the future and made a gamble by picking Rajat Patidar as the next captain, and it paid off quite well with him leading the franchise for the title glory straightaway.

Also Read - Gautam Gambhir tells Rinku Singh ‘he isn't alone’, acknowledges his character after father demise: 'Remember one thing'

“We can't be dependent on Virat Kohli all the time”

Bobat addressed the franchise’s leadership transition with rare clarity, stressing that the captaincy call was about long-term vision rather than short-term comfort. Referencing the immense presence of Virat Kohli, Bobat underlined that while turning to the former skipper may have been the simplest solution, the franchise was determined not to delay an inevitable shift. He explained that the decision was taken with the broader future of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in mind, signalling a move towards sustainable leadership beyond reliance on individuals.

“But we spoke about how this decision is not just about us three as people. It's about RCB more broadly as a franchise. Its leadership maybe even beyond us. The easy thing would have been to say, 'Virat, do you mind filling in and doing captaincy?' But then you're just kicking a decision down the road. At some point we can't be dependent on Virat all the time. Virat's a bright guy. He got it really quickly. He said, 'Let's think about some of these other individuals. But if you need someone, then obviously I can do it',” he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.