RCB shares official stand on rumours of Virat Kohli captaining in IPL 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have released their captain for three years, Faf du Plessis, which means they will be needing a new captain. It has been reported that Virat Kohli, who has been retained yet again, can return as captain . Kohli captained RCB from 2013-2021 and also guided them to their only Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 2016.

Kohli, who has played only for RCB in all 17 seasons of IPL so far, expressed delight at being retained and looked forward to completing 20 years with the franchise.

Also Read | IPL Retention 2025 Highlights: 10 teams to announce list of retained and released players today

‘Special relationship continues to grow stronger’

“I have been retained for the three-year cycle which starts next year. I am super excited. It’s been a special relationship which continues to grow stronger. At the end of the cycle, it will be 20 years. That in itself is a special feeling. I never thought I would play for so many years for one team,” Kohli said in a video uploaded by RCB on X.

While Kohli did not say anything about his chances of becoming the captain once again, RCB Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, touched upon the issue while speaking to JioCinema.

RCB clarify captaincy rumours

“I am sorry to disappoint everybody listening. We have not made any decision related to captaincy or on that (Kohli returning as skipper) as yet," he said. “We are open to options. The only obvious decision we made was not to retain Faf. He did a great job last year and the year before that. So from our perspective, we will keep a very open mind when we head to the auction.”

Also Read | Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025: Full list of retained and released players

Mo Bobat added that Kohli’s continued association with RCB will benefit the new group of players at the franchise.

“We’re all too aware of the need to establish a strong Indian core to our team going into the 2025 IPL season, and we feel that our retention decisions are a significant step in the right direction. It’s great to continue Virat’s lengthy association with RCB, I’m confident that a new group of players will benefit hugely from his inspirational and infectious energy, and his commitment to high standards,” said Mo Bobat.

Apart from Kohli, RCB’s only other retentions were batter Rajat Patidar and pacer Yash Dayal.

“It’s also great to secure both Rajat and Yash, two excellent players that offer relatively unique skills and abilities. In Yash’s case, as an uncapped player, he also represents outstanding financial value,” Mo Bobat added.

RCB are now left with a Rs 83 purse for the IPL 2025 mega auction.