Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his opinion about Virat Kohli potentially returning as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the upcoming IPL season. During a discussion, Ashwin noted that RCB did not acquire any players during the IPL 2025 mega auction who could take up a leadership role. This, he suggested, signals a strong possibility of Kohli reclaiming the captaincy. Ashwin remarked, “Unless they decide to go in a different direction, I don’t see anyone other than Virat leading the team.”
The discussion comes in light of RCB’s strategic auction, where they targeted players like Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma, focusing on bolstering their squad rather than searching for a captain. Kohli, who stepped down as RCB’s captain in 2021, remains a central figure for the franchise. This endorsement from Ashwin follows a similar sentiment expressed by former RCB star AB de Villiers, who also hinted at Kohli’s return to leadership.
Ashwin’s endorsement also highlights the deep respect Kohli commands in the cricketing fraternity. Known for his aggressive style and tactical acumen, Kohli’s potential return could rejuvenate the team, which has been on a quest for its maiden IPL title
In addition to his thoughts on Kohli, Ashwin praised RCB’s measured auction approach, emphasizing their focus on specific targets and discipline during the bidding process. With a strong lineup shaping up and potential leadership clarity, RCB is gearing up for an exciting season
Ashwin’s perspective underscores the unique qualities Kohli brings as a leader, both in terms of his tactical decisions and the intensity he injects into his teams. Despite relinquishing the RCB captaincy after the 2021 season, Kohli’s legacy as the franchise’s most successful skipper remains intact. Under his leadership, RCB consistently reached the playoffs, though they fell short of securing the elusive title. Ashwin’s comments reflect a belief that Kohli’s return to the helm could be the spark RCB needs to transform their strong individual performances into a collective triumph.
The debate over Kohli’s captaincy also brings into focus the dynamics of modern cricket leadership, where players like Kohli must balance immense personal expectations with the strategic responsibilities of leading a team. For fans and cricket analysts alike, the prospect of Kohli returning to lead RCB has reignited hopes of a revitalized campaign for the franchise. It also showcases the enduring respect that seasoned players like Ashwin have for Kohli’s leadership capabilities, suggesting that his influence extends far beyond his batting prowess.