As the anticipation for IPL 2025 builds up, Indian cricket legend and spin maestro has issued a strong warning to Rajat Patidar regarding the immense influence of Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). According to the veteran cricketer, everything at RCB “revolves around Kohli,” and any player looking to make a mark must adapt accordingly.
Patidar, a talented middle-order batter, has been an integral part of RCB’s setup in recent seasons. However, with Kohli being the focal point of the team, the spin legend believes that the 30-year-old needs to find a way to thrive in an environment where the former RCB skipper commands significant attention.
Kohli’s Dominance at RCB
Virat Kohli, one of the biggest names in cricket, has been with the franchise since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Over the years, he has been the backbone of RCB, playing crucial roles in numerous campaigns. Even though the leadership baton has changed hands, his presence in the team remains dominant.
The spin legend pointed out that while Patidar has showcased his batting prowess in domestic and IPL tournaments, dealing with the weight of expectations at RCB will be a different challenge.
“At RCB, everything revolves around Virat Kohli. The team is built around him, and he remains the biggest influence on and off the field. For someone like Rajat Patidar, it’s important to handle the pressure of playing in a Kohli-centric team. If he can perform despite this, it will be a huge boost for his career,” the veteran cricketer stated.
Patidar’s Role in IPL 2025
Patidar, who made his IPL debut in 2021, has gradually established himself as a reliable middle-order batter. His breakthrough moment came in IPL 2022 when he played a match-winning knock in the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants. Since then, he has been a crucial asset for RCB.
However, with expectations soaring high, the challenge for Patidar in IPL 2025 will be to consistently deliver match-winning performances while playing in the shadow of a modern-day great like Kohli.
Pressure and Expectations
With RCB yet to win an IPL trophy, the team will be under immense pressure to perform this season. The presence of players like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj adds to the firepower, but Kohli remains the face of the franchise.
The spin legend concluded his thoughts by advising Patidar to focus on his game and not let external factors affect his mindset.
“The key for Patidar will be to block out the noise and play his natural game. If he can adapt to the dynamics of playing alongside someone like Kohli, he will only get better as a cricketer,” he added.
With IPL 2025 set to be a high-intensity tournament, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar and how he navigates the challenges of playing in a Kohli-dominated RCB setup.
