'Stepping Into The Big Boots': Former Cricketer Points Out RCB Captain Rajat Patidar's 'Biggest Challenge' In IPL 2025

Indian Premier League: Before the start of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers opened up on the challenges Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) newly appointed captain Rajat Patidar will face in the 18th season of the T20 tournament. De Villiers said that Patidar will be stepping into the big boots at the Bengaluru-based franchise as he is ready to lead the side. The 31-year-old became the eighth captain of RCB, he has been a part of the franchise for the past three seasons since joining them in 2021. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening fixture of the IPL 2025 on March 22 which will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens. RCB's first home match will be on April 2 against Gujarat Titans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

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Patidar's biggest challenge will be insecurity: AB de Villiers

While speaking at the JioStar Press Room, AB de Villiers said that Patidar will be stepping into the big boots of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. The former RCB cricketer added that the 31-year-old's biggest challenge will be insecurity. The former South African cricketer wants Patidar to be true to himself and not to lead the side like Kohli.

“His biggest challenge will be insecurity, stepping into the big boots of the past captains like Faf and Virat.. having Virat around and constantly almost doubting yourself. He needs to stay true to who he is and not try to captain like Virat or like Faf. And use the experience of Virat, use the experience of Andy Flower and some of the other players,” De Villiers said at JioStar Press Room.

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Virat Kohli Led RCB From 2013 Till 2021 IPL Season

In 2013, Kohli replaced Daniel Vettori as the captain of the franchise and led the side till 2021. The Indian batter left the leadership role citing workload management. 

In the previous season, RCB's run came to an end in the playoffs, when they suffered a disappointing loss against Rajasthan Royals by four wickets.