Parthiv Patel Reveals RCB Planned to Replace Kohli as Captain

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has confirmed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had decided to remove Virat Kohli as captain, with Patel himself lined up as the replacement. His claim backs earlier comments by Moeen Ali and sheds fresh light on a turbulent phase at the franchise.

Nehra and Kirsten Made the Offer

Patel said Ashish Nehra and Gary Kirsten told him he would take over from Kohli in the top job. Nehra was RCB’s bowling coach in 2018 and 2019, while Kirsten was head coach. Patel added that he and Moeen were both considered for the captaincy, but he won the race.

However, the change never happened. RCB finished last on the table in 2019, and the management that had made the offer was shown the door instead of the captain. Mike Hesson and Simon Katich took charge from the 2020 campaign, and Kohli continued to lead the side.

A Season Without a Game

The leadership plan did not translate into playing time for Patel, who did not feature in a single match in 2020. AB de Villiers took over wicketkeeping duties, while Devdutt Padikkal partnered Kohli at the top of the order.

RCB’s fortunes have improved considerably since that reshuffle. The franchise has reached the playoffs five times since 2020 and lifted its first IPL title in 2025 under Rajat Patidar.

Patel’s revelation adds an intriguing “what if” to the franchise’s history. Had the 2019 plan gone ahead, RCB’s recent story, and Kohli’s place in it, could have looked very different.