Virat Kohli almost lost captaincy in IPL 2019; England star drops bombshell
England spinner Moeen Ali has revealed that Royal Challengers Bangalore had planned to hand over the captaincy duties to Parthiv Patel in the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League. Virat Kohli was no longer going to be the captain of the side as they had set their eyes on India’s wicket-keeper batter, thanks to his brilliant cricket brain. He further mentioned that the move, however, didn’t materialize. Moeen Ali made the revelation in an interview with India Today.
"Yes, I think he was. I'm quite sure he was. In the final year when Gary Kirsten was there-after the first year, I believe-Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain. That was the talk at the time. I don't know what happened or why it didn't materialise, but I'm sure he was seriously considered for the role," Moeen told India Today.
Royal Challengers Bangalore endured one of the worst IPL seasons in the 2019 edition. They finished right at the bottom of the table with just five wins from 14 matches. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers had a pretty decent run with the bat but the others didn’t quite justify their spots in the eleven. Moeen Ali was part of RCB set up from 2018 to 2020.
Notably, Virat Kohli took over the captaincy duties from Daniel Vettori in the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League and led the team till 2021. Under his captaincy, RCB’s best season came in 2016 when they managed to reach the final but couldn’t lift the trophy.
Royal Challengers Bangalore lifted their first title in IPL 2025 edition
After waiting for 18 long years, Royal Challengers Bangalore finally lifted the Indian Premier League title in the 2025 edition of the tournament. Rajat Patidar, who also lifted his first IPL title, recieved praise from one and all for his leadership. Royal Challengers Bangalore finished second at the end of the league, winning nine out of the 14 league-stage matches. They brushed aside Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 1 and then again beat them in the final by six runs to win the elusive IPL title.
