RCB Contemplated Removing Virat Kohli as Captain in 2019, According to Moeen Ali's Revelation
In the tumultuous world of cricket, few moments can rival the drama that unfolded within the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) camp following the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Amidst a disappointing run and calls for a major overhaul, there was serious consideration to replace Virat Kohli as the team's captain.
The potential successor who found himself in the spotlight was none other than former wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel. Moeen Ali, a teammate during that year, revealed that RCB had planned to appoint Patel as captain instead of Kohli, indicating that the latter was close to losing the captaincy at that time.
Parthiv Patel, known for his deep tactical acumen and leadership qualities in Indian cricket, was seen as a promising choice. According to Ali, Gary Kirsten, who was with RCB at the time, was in favour of Patel becoming the new captain.
Despite the discussions, the "structural changes" that were being contemplated may have included the captaincy debate, but the team opted for continuity. Kohli remained the captain, a decision that ultimately led to success.
Kohli continued as RCB captain for two more seasons after 2019, finally stepping down in 2021. He holds the record for representing a single franchise (RCB) for 18 consecutive seasons in the IPL.
In an unspecified year, Rajat Patidar took over the captaincy from Kohli and led the team to their first-ever IPL title in 2025. Faf du Plessis captained RCB from 2022 to 2024.
Parthiv Patel, however, did not become the captain of RCB. Instead, he transitioned into a successful mentorship role, currently serving as the assistant coach of Gujarat Titans and mentor of the Outer Delhi Warriors in the DPL.
The mere consideration of replacing Kohli as captain highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny within the RCB camp. Yet, Kohli, synonymous with the team's identity, continued to deliver impactful performances with the bat and mentor younger players, including during RCB's IPL 2025 victory.
Gary Kirsten, former RCB head coach, hinted at systemic issues within the franchise in 2019, suggesting potential "structural changes" for the following year. The near-miss captaincy change was perhaps a reflection of these internal struggles, but it also served as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Sports and finance intersect in the world of cricket, as the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) contemplated structural changes following their disappointing performance in the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Business strategies were debated, including the potential shift in captaincy from Virat Kohli to Parthiv Patel, a move supported by former coach Gary Kirsten.
Leadership dynamics within RCB were further emphasized when Moeen Ali revealed that Patel was considered as Kohli's successor, showcasing the importance of tactical acumen and leadership qualities in the sports industry. Despite the near change in captaincy, Kohli ultimately remained at the helm, demonstrating the influence of leadership in sports and business decisions.
