IPL 2025: Virat Kohli to return as RCB captain?

There might be a pleasant surprise in store for the Virat Kohli fans. For those who missed 'King Kohli' in the captain's role in the Indian Premier League, the upcoming edition of the tournament might see the 35-year-old back as the skipper for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Kohli captained the side from 2013 to 2021, but failed to win the IPL title. RCB reached the final in 2016, but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 35-year-old passed on the baton to South African star Faf du Plessis, who led the side from 2022 to 2024.

Ahead of the IPL mega auction in November, the RCB seem to have gone back to Kohli for the captain's role, as per a report in Times of India. The franchise was, reportedly, in talks with young Indian opener Shubman Gill for the role, but it did not work out. RCB are also planning to get wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant on board, the report says.

Kohli, while stepping down as the skipper, had reiterated that he will always play for RCB in the IPL.

He has been part of the leadership group at the franchise even after stepping down as the captain.