‘It was the right time’ – RCB’s director of cricket Mo Bobat makes candid remarks on Rajat Patidar being named skipper

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s director of cricket Mo Bobat revealed why Rajat Patidar was named as the new skipper. The 31-year-old was given the top job as new RCB captain as a special announcement was made on Thursday. Patidar was congratulated by former skipper Virat Kohli in a special video message. 

Speaking during the event, Mo Bobat was asked why Kohli wasn’t named as the skipper of the side. Bobat replied, “We felt an Indian captain was strongly preferable—nothing against any overseas option. Of course, Virat was an option. He doesn’t need a captaincy title. He’s a leader regardless. Kohli leads with an example with the bat; he sets the tone, leads in the field, professionalism—the way he practices, nutrition, trains. But for the reasons we have said, it was the right time for Rajat to takeover."

Mo Bobat also said, “Rajat was quite keen to take on captaincy. The process goes back to the difficult decision we had to take about Faf du Plessis given his age. It wasn’t an easy decision to move on from Faf. Both Virat and Rajat were quality options for captaincy.”

Rajat Patidar makes first statement after becoming RCB skipper 

31-year-old Rajat Patidar was overjoyed after being named as the new captain of RCB on Thursday. The new skipper said, “We have a good bunch of bowling units. If I compare with the last year, we have a good bowling unit. Message to fans: We will do whatever it takes to get the best result. I am not looking back; I’m looking forward. We have lot of experienced players, experienced leaders.”

Patidar also said, “My way of captaincy is different. So, I will back my instincts. I will also seek help from others. I have done a lot of partnership with him. His experience and ideas will definitely help in a leadership role. I really feel good. If I talk about my captaincy, I am not that expressive, but I know what’s going on. I am lucky to be surrounded by good people, a leadership group."

Meanwhile, Mo Bobat revealed that RCB wanted to recruit a strong unit for the coming season. “We just wanted to recruit a strong squad at the auction. The players we brought in—Krunal, Bhuvi, and Jitesh—had credibility and experience. We spent some time discussing with Dinesh Karthik and Virat and had discussions with Rajat—more like an interview with him. He really wanted to do this. We got a really good chance to watch Rajat closely during SMAT, not just his captaincy but also how he played under pressure. We took inputs from Virat and then discussed internally. Really good timing, new squad, fresh start."