Leading an IPL franchise is tougher than being the India captain, warns Harbhajan Singh to RCB's Patidar

In a historic move, The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to embark on a new chapter in IPL 2025 with Rajat Patidar leading the team as captain. Patidar will be replacing Faf du Plessis, who was released by the franchise prior to the 2025 auction. Despite speculation of Virat Kohli's return to the captaincy, the iconic batsman has opted to remain out of the official leadership role.

While Kohli will certainly be part of the leadership role and might often help Patidar with on-field decisions, Harbhajan Singh, the former India spinner, firmly believes that it won't be an easy task for the 31-year-old.

Harbhajan, who has captained Mumbai Indians in select matches during his playing days, stated that leading an IPL team is “tougher” than captaining Team India.

“For someone like Patidar, it will be a huge challenge. To captain a big team like that, it's not going to be easy to take decisions. Who will play, who will bowl at what point… he hasn't led a side before. People think leading India is the most difficult thing, but I think it's even tougher leading a franchise, because I have done it,” Harbhajan told ESPNCricinfo.

“Patidar has the pressure of expectations because they haven't won a single season. You have to live up to it, and play your own game, too. Everything revolves around Virat Kohli there. He also has to ensure that he has a good season. RCB have appointed Patidar for five seasons, but if this one doesn't go well, we will see where he will stand.”

Patidar has been part of the RCB since 2021; it is also his first IPL franchise. Over the years, he stepped up for the side as one of the most important middle-order batters. In the previous season, he scored 395 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 177, and has an overall strike rate of nearly 159 across three seasons for the side.

He was forced to miss the 2023 season due to an Achilles Heel injury.

RCB play in season opener

The Royal Challengers will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening game of the season on March 22. Both teams will take the field with new captains, as Ajinkya Rahane – one of the KKR's newest acquisitions in the 2025 auction – will lead the defending champions.

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