Published: Jun 08, 2025, 09:50 AM (IST)
Edited: Jun 08, 2025, 09:50 AM (IST)
Rajat Patidar was the official captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but the team largely followed Virat Kohli’s lead. Throughout the IPL 2025 final, Virat was often seen setting the field, advising bowlers, and planning how to dismiss batters, while Patidar played a quieter role.
When RCB won their maiden IPL title, it was Virat who took the spotlight, despite Patidar being the official captain understandably so, given Virat’s long-standing contribution to the team.
A unseen video from RCB’s IPL title celebrations at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has surfaced. Normally, the winning captain signs the camera as a traditional gesture for the fans. However, Patidar chose to pass this moment to Virat, winning fans hearts with his thoughtful gesture.
However, Kohli looked hesitant initially, but after some encouragement, the 36-year-old stepped up to the camera and signed it, much to the delight of the entire RCB team.
Virat Kohli emerged as RCB’s top performer in the IPL 2025 season, amassing 657 runs in 15 innings with an impressive average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71. Notably, he scored eight half-centuries, all contributing to RCB victories. After waiting 18 years to win the IPL, Kohli was visibly emotional and in tears following RCB’s victory over Punjab Kings in the final. As the last ball, bowled by Josh Hazlewood, was delivered, all his teammates rushed to celebrate with him.
What followed RCB’s IPL title win shocked the cricket world. During the team’s celebrations at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a tragic stampede outside the venue resulted in the deaths of 11 people and left several others injured.
On Friday, RCB’s marketing and revenue head, Nikhil Sosale, was arrested along with three employees of the event management firm DNA. Additionally, the secretary and treasurer of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have also resigned.
