NEW DELHI: Former India player Robin Uthappa has suggested Rajat Patidar as a potential captain for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
RCB will need to consider leadership alternatives for IPL 2025, following their decision not to retain Faf du Plessis.
Despite the availability of established players like Jos Buttler, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer in the mega auction, Uthappa recommends that RCB should consider giving Patidar an opportunity to lead the team.
"I think they should look at Rajat Patidar to take over that role because it seems like you need a new leader after two years. So, you might as well do it now to get ahead of the curve and build a captain for the next three to five years. Rajat is one of those players who can actually play that role for them," Uthappa said on JioCinema.
RCB opted for a strategic approach by keeping only three players in their roster. The franchise chose to retain Virat Kohli, Patidar and the emerging fast bowler Yash Dayal.
This decision led to the departure of several key players from the team, including Mohammed Siraj, Will Jacks and Glenn Maxwell. Armed with a substantial budget of Rs 83 crore and the Right To Match card, RCB aim to build a strong team capable of securing their maiden IPL championship.
Former India cricketer Saba Karim suggests that RCB might utilise their Right to Match (RTM) option to secure both Mohammed Siraj and Will Jacks, considering their valuable contributions across various aspects of the game.
"RCB can always go back to Siraj because he's been phenomenal for the side. They got Yash Dayal as a left-arm seam bowler, which is a wonderful thing, but they also need someone to give him proper company. So, if RCB can have Siraj, then at least the pace bowling section is kind of filled up. I'm also looking at Will Jacks. He was very good for them last season. He can come in right at the top, and he's also a very useful right-arm off-break bowler," Karim said.
