Captain of RCB for IPL 2019: RCB clarify reports and confirm Kohli will captain

The Captain of RCB for IPL 2019 will be Virat Kohli, as confirmed by a RCB spokesperson today. 

The reports about Virat Kohli being sacked as the RCB captain, with AB de Villiers slated to take up his role in IPL 2019 have been squashed by the RCB management, as they have come out with a statement confirming that the rumour was indeed untrue.

“We can clarify on record that the news is incorrect and Virat Kohli is very much the captain of RCB for the next season as well,” the RCB spokesperson said, as quoted by India Today.

A Bangalore publication had quoted its source a few days back to report that AB de Villiers was going to take over the reigns as the RCB captain, after years of disappointment for Virat Kohli.

RCB have suffered years of agony in the IPL, as despite having a brilliant side on paper, they haven’t really been able to go deep into the tournament. Bowling has been a massive issue for them and they have always struggled to find the right combination, especially in the first half of the tournament.

Kohli has often been criticised about his captaincy and maybe the rumour arose because of AB de Villiers’ impressive captaincy in the international circuit and because he is relieved of all pressures of the International circuit, post his retirement from the game.

Also, the IPL 2019 is slated to take place just before the 2019 ICC World Cup. Hence, one could see multiple stars being rested for the marquee T20 event, as international boards wouldn’t want their players to get injured before the biggest event in 4 years.

AB de Villiers could be RCBs best back up option, in case BCCI decide to rest Kohli for IPL 2019. But, as of now, Virat Kohli is still the captain of RCB and will continue to do so in the near.

Kohli is currently with the Indian team in England featuring in the 5th Test. He has been rested from the Asia Cup, but will be back for the West Indies series and the Australia tour before the IPL 2019.

AB de Villiers on the other hand has signed up for PSL 2019.