India’s cricket star R Ashwin shared his thoughts on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captaincy for IPL 2025. He believes Virat Kohli will lead the team again since they don’t seem to have any other options.
Virat Kohli to Lead RCB Again?
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a successful outing at the IPL 2025 auction. The team made some excellent additions to strengthen their squad and ensure a well-balanced lineup for the upcoming season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru added several notable players to their squad for IPL 2025, including Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, among others.
However, what grabbed everyone’s attention was their decision not to pursue any captaincy candidates. Despite having the funds and opportunities to sign big names, the team chose not to, sparking speculation about who will lead the side.
R Ashwin Backs Virat Kohli To Lead RCB As Captain
Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained: “In all likelihood, I think Virat Kohli is going to captain that side. That’s the feeling I get because they haven’t gone for a captain. Unless and until they are going to go with somebody else. I don’t see anyone other than Virat as captain.”
Before the auction, there were reports suggesting that Virat Kohli would captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. It was said that Kohli himself informed the management of his willingness to take up the role, and the franchise was expected to finalize the decision with him soon.
Furthermore, R Ashwin lauded RCB for having a terrific auction. He pointed out how the team waited for the players despite having a lot of money. While talking about their strategy, Ashwin said:
“I actually personally think they had a terrific auction. They balanced it and waited it out. Many teams came into this auction with many crores in their purses. They came blazing right in the front but RCB played the waiting game even though they had a lot of money. Who do I need? They are the ones I need. My overall team is important. My 12 or 14 is important.
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He added:
“What will work in our conditions? I want that sort of a side. I need that team. Even though I have RTMs, I am not going to use them. I will end up picking who I want. I will follow the strategy till the end.”
RCB IPL 2025 FULL SQUAD
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone (Rs. 8.75 crore), Phil Salt (Rs. 11.50 crore), Jitesh Sharma (Rs. 11 crore), Josh Hazlewood (Rs. 12.50 crore), Rasikh Dar (Rs. 6 crore), Suyash Sharma (Rs. 2.60 crore), Krunal Pandya (Rs. 5.75 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Rs. 10.75 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs. 50 lakh), Tim David (Rs. 3 crore), Romario Shepherd (Rs. 1.50 crore), Nuwan Thushara (Rs. 1.60 crore), Manoj Bhandage (Rs. 30 lakh), Jacob Bethell (Rs. 2.60 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (Rs. 2 crore), Swastik Chhikara (Rs. 30 lakh), Lungi Ngidi (Rs. 1 crore), Abhinandan Singh (Rs. 30 lakh), Mohit Rathee (Rs. 30 lakh).
ALSO READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2025 Squad: Full Player List And Auction Analysis
