Virat Kohli joins RCB squad ahead of IPL 2025

Star batter Virat Kohli has officially joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad as they gear up for the IPL 2025 season. The franchise shared a video on social media, capturing Kohli in the RCB jersey, with the caption, "The King is here and like always, he's two steps (sometimes a LOT more) ahead of everyone."

Kohli arrives fresh off a stellar performance in India's triumphant ICC Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai last week. The 36-year-old was in sublime form, scoring 218 runs in five matches at an average of 54.50. His unbeaten century against Pakistan and a crucial 84-run knock in the semi-final against Australia played a key role in India's success.

New Leadership at RCB

RCB has undergone significant changes ahead of IPL 2025, with Rajat Patidar appointed as the new captain. Kohli extended his best wishes to Patidar, acknowledging his journey and impact on the team.

"Rajat, congratulations on this well-deserved opportunity. The way you've performed and earned a place in the hearts of RCB fans is truly commendable. Myself and the entire team are right behind you, and you'll have all our support," Kohli said.

Patidar replaces Faf du Plessis, who was not retained after leading the team in recent seasons. The 31-year-old batter has grown into a vital part of RCB, especially after his breakthrough in IPL 2022, where he smashed a match-winning century in the playoffs. He also captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2024-25 domestic season.

Kohli’s Legacy with RCB

Having been with RCB since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Kohli remains the franchise’s most iconic player. He led the team for nearly a decade before stepping down in 2021. Across 252 matches, he has scored 8,004 runs, including eight centuries and 55 fifties, maintaining an impressive average of 38.67.

Despite being the highest run-scorer in IPL history—well ahead of Shikhar Dhawan’s 6,769 runs—an IPL trophy has eluded Kohli. RCB has come close, finishing as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but they continue their pursuit of an elusive championship.

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, RCB fans will be eager to see Kohli back in action, hoping this year brings them the long-awaited title.