Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) legend AB de Villiers feels that Virat Kohli is the only suitable choice to captain the team for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 40-year-old acknowledged that while Kohli, at 36, is nearing the end of his career, he remains motivated to perform with the bat.
The former cricketer-turned-commentator believes Kohli will set an example as captain, adding that it would be a perfect farewell for him if RCB secures their first IPL title this season. AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel:
“6:18 – Mujhe lagta hai Virat hi ek matr option hai dosto (Friends, I think Virat Kohli is the only option [for RCB’s captaincy choice). He is near the end of his career, more inspired than ever before. Till the time he gets the form, and score runs, we are used to watching him play match-winning innings. It’s like a swansong.”
Virat Kohli has guided the Bengaluru-based franchise to 66 wins in 143 matches, with a win percentage of 48.56. He captained RCB from 2013 to 2021, including the 2016 final, where they were defeated by SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). Apart from Kohli, RCB also has players like Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone, who bring leadership experience.
The management decided not to retain their outgoing captain Faf du Plessis for the 2025 season, despite RCB making it to the playoffs last season. The former South African captain was acquired by Delhi Capitals (DC) for his base price of ₹2 crore during the IPL 2025 auction.
RCB IPL 2025 Team
Virat Kohli (₹21 crore), Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore), Yash Dayal (₹5 crore), Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore), Krunal Pandya (₹5.75 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore), Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore), Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crore), Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore), Swapnil Singh (₹50 lakh), Tim David (₹3 crore), Rasikh Dar (₹6 crore), Suyash Sharma (₹2.60 crore), Romario Shepherd (₹1.50 crore), Nuwan Thushara (₹1.60 crore), Manoj Bhandage (₹30 lakh), Jacob Bethell (₹2.60 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (₹2 crore), Swastik Chhikara (₹30 lakh), Lungi Ngidi (₹1 crore), Abhinandan Singh (₹30 lakh), Mohit Rathee (₹30 lakh).
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