The legendary cricketer AB de Villiers believes Virat Kohli is the only suitable captaincy option for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise for the 2025 season.
The 40-year-old said Kohli is approaching the end of his career, he seems inspired to deliver with the bat.
Villiers believes Kohli will lead the team by example, suggesting it would be a swansong for him if RCB wins their maiden IPL trophy this season.
Mujhe lagta hai Virat hi ek matr option hai dosto (Friends, I think Virat Kohli is the only option [for RCB’s captaincy choice).
He is near the end of his career, more inspired than ever before. Till the time he gets the form, and score runs, we are used to watching him play match-winning innings. It’s like a swansong,” said AB de Villiers on YouTube channel.
The India star batter has led the RCB franchise to 66 wins in 143 matches at a win percentage of 48.56. He led RCB from 2013 to 2021, including the 2016 finals, inclusing the 2016 final, where his side lost to SRH.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli have options like Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone among players with leadership experience.
The outgoing skipper Faf du Plessis for the 2025 season. That came even after they reached the playoffs last season. The former Proteas captain was brought by Delhi Capitals (DC) for his base price of INR 2 crore at IPL 2025 auction.
Kohli previously captained the side 2013-2021 which he led the team to the IPL 2016 final. While he stepped down from the captaincy in 2021, his potential return to the role has created excitement among fans and analyst alike.
Kohli’s recent struggles with bat in international cricket, particularly in Tests. After scoring a century in Perth during the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli’s form has posed India’s defeat to New Zealand and Australia.
However, he has shown resilience in the past and will aim to bounce back in the Champions Trophy before taking on the IPL challenge.
