Virat Kohli’s Emotional Words for New RCB Captain Rajat Patidar & Why ₹11 Crore Jitesh Sharma Became the Team’s Big Bet
Image via The Indian Express
May 16, 2025 – The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) created a storm in the cricket world this season. Two big moves made headlines. First, Virat Kohli’s strong reaction to Rajat Patidar becoming the new captain. Second, RCB’s record-breaking decision to spend a massive ₹11 crore on wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. Both moments reveal the team’s fresh approach, its trust in young players, and its hunger for the IPL 2025 trophy.
Virat Kohli’s First Words to Rajat Patidar
The Unbox event in Bengaluru was emotional. Fans filled the stadium expecting fireworks, and they got them. But the most touching moment was not about boundaries or sixes. It was about leadership. Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for over a decade, stood next to Rajat Patidar, who was officially named captain of the franchise.
Patidar, usually calm, looked a little nervous. Taking over from legends like Faf du Plessis and Kohli himself was never going to be easy. But Kohli’s words melted away his anxiety. The cricket icon leaned in and told him softly, “You deserve it, you earned it.” Those six words gave Patidar confidence on the biggest day of his career.
Kohli’s Public Praise for Patidar
Kohli did not stop there. Addressing fans and the cricketing world, he said Patidar was not only a strong batsman but also a mature leader. “He has a great head on his shoulders,” Kohli said. “He will do a great job for this amazing franchise and take the team forward.”
This was more than praise. It was a public guarantee from Kohli to every RCB supporter. He was asking fans to put their trust in Patidar. Kohli also reminded him that he would never be alone. “I myself and the other team members will be right behind you. You will have all our support to grow into this role.”
The crowd cheered. For fans, it was a symbolic handover. Kohli was still the heart of RCB, but Patidar was now its voice on the field.
Why RCB Chose Rajat Patidar
The decision to make Patidar captain surprised many. Some expected Kohli to return as full-time leader. Others thought RCB might stick with du Plessis. But head coach Andy Flower explained the choice. Patidar, he said, had shown calmness under pressure and a balanced personality. These were qualities every IPL captain needs.
Patidar’s journey also inspired fans. From a replacement player in 2022, who smashed a stunning century in the playoffs, to becoming captain in 2025, it was a classic underdog story. His rise symbolized RCB’s trust in grooming young talent instead of always relying on big stars.
The Auction Drama: Jitesh Sharma for ₹11 Crore
If Patidar’s captaincy brought emotions, Jitesh Sharma’s auction brought shock. On November 24, 2024, during the IPL 2025 auction, RCB went all in for Jitesh. The bidding war started around ₹2 crore. Within minutes, it skyrocketed. Punjab Kings tried to hold on with their Right-to-Match card. But RCB raised the stakes and finally closed the deal at ₹11 crore.
This was historic. Sharma’s IPL salary jumped by almost 5,400 percent compared to his first contract of just ₹20 lakh in 2022. It was one of the steepest salary hikes ever seen in IPL auctions.
Why Did RCB Spend So Much?
RCB was not buying just a wicketkeeper. They were buying a finisher. Jitesh Sharma had earned a reputation in Punjab Kings for his fearless hitting at the death overs. He could walk in when 50 runs were needed from 20 balls and still believe it was possible.
Such players are rare. RCB, often criticized for depending too much on Kohli and AB de Villiers in the past, wanted a modern finisher. They wanted someone who could release pressure on Patidar and Glenn Maxwell. Jitesh fit the role perfectly.
He had also made his mark in India’s T20I squad, proving he could handle international bowlers. For RCB, this meant he could immediately perform without worrying about pressure or spotlight.
Jitesh Sharma’s Reaction to the Price
Many thought ₹11 crore might weigh heavily on Jitesh. But his reaction was cool. Speaking after the auction, he said: “Whatever price is on my head, it does not matter to me. It only shows that the team believes in me. It gives me confidence rather than pressure.”
He also expressed excitement about joining RCB. Playing alongside Virat Kohli was a dream for him. He said he wanted to learn from the senior players and contribute with both bat and gloves.
The Dinesh Karthik Factor
Another key reason RCB bet on Jitesh was his relationship with veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. Both men shared a good bond off the field. Karthik’s presence as a mentor helped Jitesh feel comfortable immediately.
Jitesh openly admitted that Karthik had influenced his batting style. Having him in the same dressing room, guiding him, was a bonus that RCB valued when spending big money.
What These Moves Mean for RCB Fans
For fans, these two big decisions gave mixed emotions. Kohli stepping aside once again was difficult to accept. But his open support for Patidar made it easier. RCB supporters are known for their loyalty, and Patidar’s simple, hardworking image clicked with them.
The ₹11 crore for Jitesh brought excitement. Many fans compared it to past expensive buys like Chris Morris and Yuvraj Singh. But this time, they believed the price had cricketing logic. RCB had finally bought a player who filled a specific gap in the team.