Virat Kohli's Mentorship Fuels Rajat Patidar to Consecutive

Virat Kohli's influence as a mentor has directly shaped Royal Challengers Bengaluru's recent dominance, with captain Rajat Patidar crediting his idol's support for consecutive IPL titles. The franchise ended an 18-year wait by winning in 2025 and successfully defended their crown in 2026. This leadership success story emerges alongside reflections from former teammate Suresh Raina on the transition during Kohli's tenure as India captain.

How did Kohli's support shape RCB's historic title wins?

Rajat Patidar has revealed that Virat Kohli's unwavering belief was the foundation of his successful captaincy at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Patidar told Sports Launchpad that having the backing of the player he had idolized for years gave him the confidence to handle the immense pressure of leading one of the IPL's most high-profile teams. "If your idol backs you, then you don't need anything more," Patidar said. He admitted leading RCB is not easy due to the massive fan base and expectations, but Kohli's endorsement was a decisive factor. Under Patidar, RCB won their first-ever IPL title in 2025 and followed it with another in 2026, making him only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to win the tournament in consecutive years. Kohli's support, both for Patidar as a player and as a leader, remained a constant throughout this journey.

What did Suresh Raina reveal about his India exit under Kohli?

Former India batter Suresh Raina has opened up about the confusion surrounding the end of his international career during the Virat Kohli-led era. Speaking to Aakash Chopra, Raina reflected on being dropped from the team after Kohli succeeded MS Dhoni as limited-overs captain. He understood that new leadership often brings different selection preferences. However, Raina sought clarity after he and Yuvraj Singh worked their way back to fitness and posted strong domestic performances, yet still received no call-up. "I asked questions; I didn't get answers. So I asked questions, talked to people... Captain and coaches," Raina said. The lack of a clear explanation, particularly after his snub from the 2019 World Cup squad, was a major turning point. He ultimately retired at age 33, feeling he lacked the necessary communication from the team management.

Did a Kohli lookalike really audition for Roadies?

A man bearing a striking resemblance to Virat Kohli caused a stir outside a Roadies audition venue recently. The lookalike, sporting a similar beard and hairstyle to the former India captain, was spotted watching an impromptu arm-wrestling contest instead of participating in the reality show auditions. His uncanny appearance quickly made him the center of attention, creating a viral cricket-meets-reality-TV moment. The real Virat Kohli was not involved, and there is no indication he had any connection to the event. The incident nevertheless provided social media with ample material for jokes, playing on Kohli's well-known reputation for fitness and competitiveness.

Why is an old story about Kohli's father circulating?

A retrospective story about Virat Kohli's profound personal resilience has recirculated online. It details how, at just 18 years old, Kohli made the extraordinary decision to play a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi the morning after his father passed away in December 2006. This act, driven by a sense of responsibility to his team and his sport, has long been cited as a defining moment that revealed his exceptional mindset and dedication. While the event is nearly two decades old, it continues to be referenced as a key part of understanding the champion's character.

• RCB's Rajat Patidar credits Virat Kohli's backing for his success, leading the team to IPL titles in 2025 and 2026.
• Suresh Raina says he sought answers from Kohli and coaches after being dropped but retired at 33 without clarity.
• A viral social media moment featured a Kohli lookalike at a Roadies audition, though the star himself was not present.
• Kohli's legendary commitment was shown when he played a Ranji match a day after his father's death in 2006.