Virat Kohli to return as RCB skipper? de Villiers and Ashwin predict

RCB approached the IPL 2025 mega auction with caution and precision, aiming to build a squad around the retained core of Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar. Virat Kohli, the franchise's face, was retained for an impressive ₹21 crore ahead of the mega auction. During the auction held in Jeddah, RCB secured several notable names but overlooked quite a few, leaving fans and experts puzzled. The Bangalore-based franchise chose not to pursue players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, despite having the second-largest purse. With the squads now finalized for IPL 2025, RCB remains without a prominent leadership figure. Amid growing speculation, former RCB player and South African legend AB de Villiers has suggested that Virat Kohli is likely to reclaim the captaincy for the much-loved franc

AB de Villiers, Ravi Ashwin predict Virat Kohli as the skipper of RCB in IPL 2025

Following the conclusion of the IPL 2025 mega auction, the speculation about Kohli returning as RCB's skipper has picked pace. The franchise didn't retain Faf du Plessis, who suceeded Kohli as the team captain in IPL 2022. Moreover, the management didn't run behing the likes of KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant, who hold leading credits in the tournament. While the team has picked some formidable players in the auction, none of the prospects turn up as a contender for the leading spot in the squad.

Now, former RCB legend AB de Villiers has dropped a subtle hint, suggesting that Kohli "will lead" the team in the upcoming season. Kohli had previously taken the franchise to the final in the 2016 IPL, which remains their last appearance in the tournament’s title clash. The former Indian skipper stepped away from the leading role ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction. Subsequently, RCB brought in Faf du Plessis who led the team until IPL 2024. Now, with RCB neither retaining nor buying the South African in the auction, the team remains without a leading face so far.

"I don't think it has been confirmed yet, but he will be the captain, I think, looking at the squad" de Villiers said on his official YouTube channel.

Among the players secured during the auction, experienced Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar stands out as someone with captaincy credentials, having briefly led Sunrisers Hyderabad in the past. Another addition, Krunal Pandya, has leadership experience with the Baroda domestic team but has never captained an IPL side.

Meanwhile, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, recently acquired by Chennai Super Kings in the mega auction, also weighed in on the matter. While analyzing RCB’s auction strategy, Ashwin opined that the franchise has not invested in any other apparent leadership option, making Kohli the most likely choice to take charge as the team continues its quest for their first IPL title.

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,” Ashwin said.