Fri Nov 01 11:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Kohli’s Return to RCB Captaincy Raises Questions

**Bangalore, India -** Following the IPL 2024 player retentions, speculation is rife that Virat Kohli may be reinstated as captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the 2025 season. This decision, however, has sparked debate, with former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar voicing concerns about Kohli’s current form in the shortest format.

Kohli, who was retained by RCB for a hefty ₹21 crore, alongside Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, boasts a formidable record with the franchise. However, his recent IPL performances, particularly his strike rate, have led Manjrekar to question his suitability as a captain.

“If you just look at his performance in the IPL, his batting and captaincy performance, you have to ask if it’s the right decision to make him captain,” Manjrekar stated on Star Sports. “He had a strike rate of 150 in IPL 2024, before that it was 110-120. As a T20 player, does Virat Kohli have the same impact? Just because he is Virat Kohli, 95 per cent fans want him to be the captain, but if you just go by his performances, it is not that impressive.”

Manjrekar emphasized that he does not want to “get carried away by hero worship,” and believes that cricketing logic should prevail. He acknowledged Kohli’s value as a Test player but expressed doubts about his prowess as a T20 player.

While RCB are currently searching for a new captain following the departure of Faf du Plessis, Kohli, in a video message, expressed his excitement about his retention and his desire to “win the title at least once in the next cycle.”

The decision to possibly reinstate Kohli as captain will undoubtedly be a topic of intense discussion in the lead-up to IPL 2025. While his legacy as a leader and fan-favorite remains unquestionable, his current form in T20 cricket will be the primary deciding factor in this upcoming season.

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