Virat Kohli was set to be sacked as RCB captain in IPL 2019, reveals former teammate

By Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek has a Master's in Journalism and has written more than 50,000 articles. He currently works as a cricket content writer at Khel Now.

Published at :July 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM

Modified at :July 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Virat Kohli captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2013 to 2021.

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Moeen Ali has revealed that Virat Kohli was going to be sacked team’s captain during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. Ali was part of RCB from IPL 2018 to IPL 2020 before moving to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2021 edition.

Kohli was appointed as RCB skipper in 2013. He led the side till the 2021 edition, before stepping down as the captain. Later, Faf du Plessis was appointed as the skipper in the 2022 edition. In IPL 2025, the franchise named Rajat Patidar as their new skipper.

Under Patidar, RCB won their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final. Kohli played a key role with the bat, scoring 657 runs in 15 games with eight half-centuries. He finished as the highest run-scorer for the side.

Virat Kohli was set to be sacked as RCB skipper in IPL 2019, reveals Moeen Ali

While speaking to SportsTak, former RCB all-rounder Ali revealed that Parthiv Patel was going to replace Kohli as RCB skipper in IPL 2019 under coach Gary Kirsten.

When Ali was asked when Parthiv was ever considered for captaincy by RCB, he said, “Yes, I think he was. I’m quite sure he was. In the final year when Gary Kirsten was there-after the first year, I believe-Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain”.

“That was the talk at the time. I don’t know what happened or why it didn’t materialise, but I’m sure he was seriously considered for the role,” he added.

Notably, the Kohli-led RCB faced a big heartbreak in IPL 2016, losing the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). From 2017 to 2019, RCB produced dismal show in the tournament. They finished at last spot in the points table in 2017 and 2019 seasons.

When did Virat Kohli step down as RCB captain?

Virat Kohli stepped down as RCB captain after the 2021 edition.

Who succeeded Virat Kohli as RCB captain?

Faf du Plessis succeeded Virat Kohli as RCB captain in IPL 2022.

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Vikas Singh Derek

Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.