IPL 2025: RCB captain Rajat Patidar makes explosive statement about franchise

Rajat Patidar, who is leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has made an explosive statement about the franchise.

The aggressive batter revisited the 2022 season when he was left 'sad' and 'angry' after being ignored by the franchise despite assurances, only to be called up later as an injury replacement.

"I had got a message ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2022 that you should be ready... that we will pick you. I had a little hope that I would get another chance to play for RCB. But I wasn't picked in the mega auction. I was a little sad," said Patidar.

Patidar further revealed that being handed over the captaincy by superstar Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2025 did put him under pressure, but supportive words from the legend calmed him.

Must Read: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians to get Bairstow boost if they reach playoffs

"I had a lot of questions like, there are so many big players in the team. Virat Kohli is such a big player, how will you do it under him. I know how supportive he is about this captaincy change. I knew I have his full support. Like I said, this is a learning for me, it's an opportunity for me. So, I will learn as much as I can from him. Because no one has the experience and ideas that he has in every role -- be it batting, as an individual and as a captain," said Patidar.