Jitesh Sharma Virat Kohli for RCB. Image Credits: AFP
In a significant development RCB captain Rajat Patidar is not available for their clash against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on May 17 after due to an injury. Patidar did not travel to Dharamshala with the RCB squad, forcing the franchise to make a leadership change ahead of the important encounter.
With Patidar unavailable, many expected former RCB captain Virat Kohli to return as RCB captain for the match against Punjab Kings. However, it was Jitesh Sharma who walked out for the toss instead, sparking curiosity among fans over RCB’s captaincy decision against Punjab Kings.
Why Wasn't Virat Kohli Made RCB Captain against Punjab Kings Despite Rajat Patidar’s Absence?
The reason behind RCB opting for Jitesh Sharma as captain against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala instead of Virat Kohli in Rajat Patidar’s absence was something the franchise management had already clarified before the IPL 2025 season.
Ever since RCB announced their retention ahead of the mega auction in 2024, the RCB captaincy debate revolved around Kohli and Patidar. Although Kohli led RCB for nearly a decade with immense passion and success, the franchise management made it clear they were looking toward a long-term future captaincy option.
Also Read: Revealed: Why Is Marco Jansen Not Playing In PBKS vs RCB Match Today?
“Of course, Virat was an option. You know, that goes without saying, and I know that the fans would have probably leant towards Virat in the first instance, but we have seen a lot of love for Rajat too.
My point on Virat would be that Virat does not need a captaincy title to lead. Leadership is one of his strongest instincts. It comes naturally to him regardless,” Mo Bobat had explained in a RCB video.
RCB management, including Mo Bobat and head coach Andy Flower, had also revealed they preferred an Indian captaincy option moving forward. Despite Kohli remaining a leadership figure within the squad, the franchise appears committed to keeping captaincy responsibilities away from him now.
Virat Kohli Remains a Leader for RCB Without the Captaincy Tag
Virat Kohli stepped down as RCB captain after the 2021 IPL season, ending a long leadership tenure with the franchise. However, despite not holding the official role anymore, Kohli has continued to remain one of the senior leaders and guiding figures within the squad.
Even during the previous three seasons under Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli remained heavily involved in on-field decisions and tactical discussions. Therefore, even with Rajat Patidar unavailable, RCB opted for Jitesh Sharma as stand-in captain in IPL 2026, with Kohli continuing to lead without officially needing the captaincy tag.
Also Read: "Whose Idea Was Jitesh Sharma Over Virat Kohli?"RCB Fans Enraged On Captaincy Change
When Did Virat Kohli Last Captain RCB?
Virat Kohli stepped down as RCB captain after the 2021 IPL season, but he has still led the franchise occasionally as a stand-in skipper. During the 2023 season, Kohli captained RCB in three matches when Faf du Plessis struggled with injuries.
Kohli won two of those three matches as captain, with his last official game as RCB skipper coming against KKR at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during IPL 2023. A similar opportunity arrived in IPL 2025 too, but RCB preferred Jitesh Sharma back then as well.
Follow PBKS vs RCB Live Updates For Each And Every Detail Of The High-Octane IPL 2026 Clash
