Virat Kohli set to return as Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain for IPL 2025

Virat Kohli is in line to take up captaincy of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the second time in his career. If reports are to be believed, the talismanic batter will spearhead the popular franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, replacing Faf du Plessis, who led in the previous three-year cycle (2022-2024).

According to a Times of India (TOI) report, Kohli has expressed his interest to lead RCB during a recent interaction with the management. Du Plessis led the team commendably in the last three seasons and helped them reach the playoffs on two out of the three seasons. However, the 40-year-old doesn't have age on his side and this has left the door ajar for Kohli to step in.

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RCB are yet to win the IPL, but their fans always have their backs. Under Kohli's leadership, RCB will look to end their title-drought and give their fans what they have been yearning for since 2008. Appointing their captain ahead of the mega auction makes life easier for RCB as they don't have to spend an additional amount from their purse to rope in a new captain.

Can Kohli's second stint as RCB captain be fruitful?

It would be too early to predict RCB's future in IPL 2025, even after the appointment of an aggressive and experienced leader like Kohli. This is because the management could make wholesale changes to their squad during the mega auction and acquire some fresh faces. Kohli led the side from 2013 to 2021 and they reached the playoffs on four instances, including a memorable run to the finals in 2016.

RCB were interested in signing Shubman Gill ahead of IPL 2025. However, it eventually didn't materialise. Rishabh Pant has also been on the team's radar but there hasn't been any formal mentions regarding the same.

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Meanwhile, Kohli will be high on confidence after winning the Orange Cap in this IPL season, smashing 741 runs from 15 matches at 61.75. He will be eager to add one of the most coveted trophies in domestic cricket to his trophy cabinet.