In a revelation that has sent ripples across Indian cricket and the Indian Premier League fraternity, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has confirmed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had actively planned to hand him the captaincy, potentially replacing Virat Kohli at the helm. Speaking during a freewheeling conversation on Aakash Chopra’s YouTube platform, Parthiv lifted the veil on internal leadership discussions that took place during a tumultuous period for the Bengaluru franchise. The disclosure provides official verification to long-circulating rumors regarding high-level dressing room contemplation about relieving Kohli from the demanding burdens of franchise captaincy.

How Gary Kirsten and Ashish Nehra Backed Parthiv Patel

According to Parthiv, the leadership transition was actively pushed by RCB’s coaching hierarchy at the time—former South African legend Gary Kirsten and ex-Indian pacer Ashish Nehra. Referring to previous comments made by former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, Parthiv explained that the coaching duo was seeking a fresh tactical direction following successive underwhelming league seasons. “I have never talked about this publicly, but Moeen Ali mentioned it in an interview,” Parthiv disclosed. “The fact is that I was told, ‘Be ready, we are thinking about this for next year.’ But the next year, the two people who offered it to me [Ashish Nehra and Gary Kirsten] were replaced, new coaches came in, and I didn’t get to play a single match that entire season”.

Moeen Ali’s Early Clues and the Coaching Overhaul

The roots of the revelation trace back to an interview where Moeen Ali pointed out that Parthiv possessed a sharp tactical cricket brain and was legitimately considered for the skipper’s post when Kirsten and Nehra managed team affairs. Following a dismal 2019 campaign where RCB finished at the bottom of the points table, the franchise management executed a comprehensive clean-up of their support staff. Kirsten and Nehra departed, making way for Mike Hesson as Director of Cricket and Simon Katich as head coach. With the changing regime, the captaincy switch was immediately shelved, Virat Kohli was retained in his leadership role, and Parthiv found himself warming the bench throughout the subsequent 2020 edition before announcing his retirement.

Legacy and Eventual Leadership Succession at Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Virat Kohli eventually stepped down from RCB’s captaincy on his own terms at the conclusion of the 2021 IPL season, ending an eight-year tenure as full-time franchise leader. While Kohli’s reign featured unforgettable individual batting records and a run to the 2016 final, trophy droughts frequently provoked intense scrutiny from analysts and fans alike. Parthiv’s confirmation reveals how close the Bengaluru management had ventured toward changing the guard as early as 2019, highlighting the fragile nature of IPL tactical plans when head coaches and management philosophies change between seasons.