Jitesh Sharma, the Royal Challengers Bangalore wicketkeeper, thinks Virat Kohli didn’t want to be captain in the 2025 Indian Premier League. After letting Faf du Plessis go before the 2025 mega-auction, RCB needed a captain for the new season. They chose Rajat Patidar, who’s been with the team since 2021.
On the CricXtasy podcast, Jitesh said he suspected Rajat would be captain, but the RCB social media post confirmed it.
I found out about Rajat Patidar becoming captain when everyone else did. But after being around the game for a bit, you get a feel for things. Virat didn’t want to lead the side, Jitesh Sharma said on the podcast.
He quickly walked that back, saying, I don’t know why he didn’t want to captain. I’m not in management. But since he hasn’t been captain for the last 2-3 years, it seemed like he wouldn’t do it this year either. So, I think Rajat was the best choice.
RCB bought the wicketkeeper for a huge Rs 11 crore. Punjab Kings let Jitesh go before the 2025 mega-auction. There was a lot of bidding for him, quickly pushing his price to Rs 7 crore. PBKS used their Right to Match card, but RCB, really wanting to replace Dinesh Karthik, paid Rs 11 crore for him.
About his role on the team, Jitesh said he wants to help Rajat make choices on the field, in addition to his keeper-batter duties.
Rajat deserves the captaincy. He’s been with RCB for years. I’ve played a lot with Rajat, and I’ll definitely help him with the captaincy, Jitesh said.
RCB has totally changed their team after letting du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj go. They have a new-look bowling attack and a different middle order this season.