Virat Kohli to lead RCB in IPL 2025 after fruitful discussions with management - Reports 

Ace batter Virat Kohli is reportedly all set to return to captaincy on a full-time basis as he is expected to lead the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). He had relinquished the role after the 2021 season after leading the side for nine season, including a final finish in 2016.

There were questions emerging surrounding on veteran Faf du Plessis, and what he can bring to the table on a long-term basis ahead of the retention deadline. RCB either had the choice of retaining the 40-year-old on a steep price, or go an blindfold expedition in the auction for a new captain.

Amid this conundrum, Kohli's return to leadership was also brought up as a potential problem solver. According to a report by the Times of India, Kohli is reportedly keen on taking up the role again in the time of transition. The ace batter is already a massive presence in the RCB dressing room, and was the ideal deputy for du Plessis in the recently concluded three-year cycle.

Kohli's dynamic with head coach Andy Flower would be an interesting aspect that could determine the franchise's fate in the mega auction, and the ensuing set of years.

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Virat Kohli had led RCB over the last couple of editions on a sporadic basis

Kohli had left his RCB captaincy duties around the same time he decided to step away as India's T20I captain. His stint had come to an end back then with a defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator phase.

He was soon replaced by Faf du Plessis as skipper on a full-time basis as RCB acquired him during the 2022 mega-auction. The South African led the team to the playoffs across two editions in the three-year phase, but there were some matches, when Kohli appeared as the stand-in captain.

Kohli led RCB in the 2023 IPL fixture against the Punjab Kings in Mohali when du Plessis was nursing an injury, and only featured as an impact player.