RCB Was Going To Remove Virat Kohli As Captain In 2019? Moeen Ali Drops Shocking Truth
The 2019 IPL campaign proved to be one of the worst in RCB's history. The Virat Kohli-led side managed just 5 wins from 14 games, finishing last on the points table with a meager 11 points. The underwhelming performance not only frustrated fans but also sparked internal discussions within the franchise's management about a major overhaul—including a leadership change.
According to Moeen Ali, who was part of RCB's squad that season, the team was seriously considering appointing Parthiv Patel as the new captain. Moeen revealed, 'Yes, I think he was. I'm quite sure he was. In the final year, when Gary Kirsten was there… Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain. That was the talk at the time.'
Though the plan never materialized, the mere consideration of replacing Kohli—a player synonymous with RCB's identity—highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny within the camp.
Parthiv Patel: The Forgotten Captaincy Contender
Parthiv Patel's name may surprise many, but those closely following Indian cricket know his deep tactical acumen and leadership qualities. A veteran of domestic cricket with a short but impactful international career, Parthiv was known for his cricketing intelligence and ability to read the game. Although his captaincy stint with RCB never took off, he later 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.
Virat Kohli's Resilient Journey with RCB
Despite the internal chatter and mounting external pressure, Virat Kohli continued as RCB captain for two more seasons, finally stepping down in 2021. His captaincy tenure—from 2013 to 2021—was a roller-coaster ride, marked by extraordinary individual performances but limited team success.
While RCB reached the finals under Kohli in 2016, the elusive IPL title remained just out of reach. The baton was passed to Faf du Plessis, who captained the side till 2024, before young batting sensation Rajat Patidar took over the reins.
Rajat Patidar Leads RCB to Historic IPL 2025 Triumph
In a twist of poetic justice, RCB finally clinched their first-ever IPL title in 2025—18 years after the tournament's inception. Patidar, a relatively young and untested captain, delivered where many greats before him had faltered. But even in this victory, Kohli's legacy loomed large. The former skipper was a vital part of the playing XI, guiding and mentoring the younger players while delivering impactful performances with the bat.
Kohli also became the only player in IPL history to represent a single franchise for 18 consecutive seasons, a record that underscores his unwavering loyalty and enduring value to the RCB franchise.
Gary Kirsten's Take and the Bigger Picture
Former RCB head coach Gary Kirsten, speaking in 2019, had cryptically hinted at systemic issues within the franchise. 'There are some structural changes that need to be made… We'll certainly discuss with our owners and look into that for next year,' he said during a media interaction.
Looking back, those 'structural changes' might have included the captaincy debate. Yet, the team opted for continuity—a decision that, despite the delays, ultimately bore fruit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
25 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Akash Deep criticised for 'foolish' Ben Duckett send-off but fans expose England batter's 'hypocrisy' in mixed reactions
If there has been one thing an intense and extremely competitive Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hasn't lacked for, it is drama and controversy. Akash Deep was the player who found himself in the eye of the storm in Day 2 of the fifth Test of the series at the Oval, as his send-off for Ben Duckett landed him in some hot water with cricket fans. Akash Deep and Ben Duckett were in the headlines for the exchange between the pair, which ended with Akash giving the batter a send-off.(AP) After Duckett and Zak Crawley had given the English team a lightning-fast start to their innings, with some aggressive cricket including some unorthodox batting to unsettle the lines and lengths of the Indian seamers. After Duckett had chirped at Akash, telling him 'You can't get me out' during the fast bowler's spell, Akash repaid the favour by putting an arm around his shoulders and giving him a send–off after taking his wicket. Fans were extremely quick to react to the moment, some seeing the funny side of Akash's action, but others thinking he had crossed the line in making contact with Duckett, in an attempt to provoke him after the dismissal. Akash improves already strong record vs Duckett Some also theorised that there was an element of frustration to Akash's response, with both him and the team going at an economy rate of over 7 at that point in time. Duckett's attempted reverse scoop not coming off might have been what sparked the reaction, as well as the words already exchanged. The Indian fast bowler does possess a strong record against the English batter, having dismissed him four times now through his career, since his debut in 2024. Akash's wicket proved to be significant: while Duckett and Crawley gave England a strong start, the wicket helped pull things back, as India enjoyed a phenomenal middle session. Ultimately, despite the 92-run opening stand and India only having 224 on the board to track down, England only managed a 23-run lead. A batter short due to Chris Woakes' injury, four-wicket hauls from Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj allowed India to fight back. Akash and Duckett weren't the only players to trade barbs, as Krishna also had a few choice words shared with Joe Root, causing a reaction that the typically relaxed Root doesn't usually provide. Later, Sai Sudharsan also had some heated exchange with Duckett following the Indian batter's dismissal.
India.com
25 minutes ago
- India.com
Lionel Messi To Face Rohit-Kohli & Dhoni In Seven-A-Side Cricket Match At Mumbai On His First Visit In Last 14 Years
The amount of excitement in football fans is at sky-level as Football legend Lionel Messi may be seen playing cricket later this year, as plans are underway for him to participate in a seven-a-side exhibition match at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on December 14. If all goes well, Indian cricket greats like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma could join the star-studded lineup. The event is being organised as part of Messi's promotional tour of India. According to the Indian Express, A prominent event management agency has reportedly approached the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to book the stadium for the match. The organisers are currently finalising the logistics. 'Messi will be at Wankhede Stadium on December 14. He is likely to play a cricket match, too, with former and current cricketers. The organisers will come up with a complete schedule once everything is finalised,' a source from the MCA told The Indian Express. Messi's upcoming visit is expected to span from December 13 to 15. In addition to Mumbai, the Argentine superstar may also travel to New Delhi and Kolkata. This will be his second trip to India. His first visit was in 2011, when he led Argentina in an international football friendly against Venezuela at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. Earlier this year, there were also reports that the Argentina national football team would visit India in October for friendly matches. Kerala's Sports Minister V Abdurahiman had announced an agreement with the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to host two matches in the state. However, those plans appear to have been put on hold. World Cup Glory Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, securing the only major trophy missing from his impressive career. This was Argentina's third World Cup title and their first since 1986. At 38, Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and is preparing for what could be his final appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2026, to be hosted in the United States. The World Cup glory cemented his status as one of the greatest players in football history. If the cricket match goes ahead, it will offer fans a rare and exciting crossover moment between two of the world's most beloved sports.
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG series: KL Rahul falls narrowly short of edging Sunil Gavaskar's England record
KL Rahul scored 532 runs during the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. (PTI) KL Rahul has added another feather to his cap in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy by becoming India's second-highest run-scoring opener in a Test series in England. With 532 runs in the five-match series, Rahul has gone past Murali Vijay and Rohit Sharma but will not be able to jump the legendary Sunil Gavaskar . Gavaskar's iconic tally of 542 in 1979 has stood for over four decades now, and Rahul came within touching distance of overhauling that stat. His stay in the second innings of the fifth and final Test was disrupted by Josh Tongue. KL Rahul press conference: On last over fight, Rishabh Pant run out and fired up Shubman Gill KL Rahul, having opened the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, could only add 7 runs in the second innings before his stay was cut short by a cracking Tongue delivery that straightened on landing and forced an edge that was plucked by Joe Root in the slips. Despite the low scores of 7 and 14 in the Test at The Oval, it has been a great tour for the India opener. After scoring a century in the practice game against the England Lions, KL Rahul scored fifty-plus scores in all but the ongoing fifth Test. The 33-year-old latched scores 42, 137 (at Headingley), 2, 55 (at Edgbaston), 100, 39 (at Lord's), 46, 90 (at Old Trafford) and now 14, 7 (at The Oval). His 532 runs have come at an average of 53.20 with 1066 balls faced - only behind Shubman Gill (1141). Most Runs by an Indian Opener in a Test Series in England: 542 – Sunil Gavaskar (1979) 532 – KL Rahul (2025) 402 – Murali Vijay (2014) 368 – Rohit Sharma (2021-22) Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
