Rajat Patidar's gesture towards Virat Kohli after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their maiden IPL title in 2025 has become a viral sensation, lauded for its sportsmanship and respect. After years of near misses and heartbreak, RCB finally clinched the trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025. While the victory was a collective effort, Rajat Patidar, the captain, ensured that Virat Kohli, a long-standing and iconic figure for the franchise, had his moment of glory.
In a video that has circulated widely on social media, Patidar is seen guiding Kohli towards the camera after the win. It has become a tradition for the captain of the winning team to sign the camera after the final match. However, Patidar, in a remarkable display of humility and respect, urged Kohli to do the honors. According to reports, Patidar gestured to Kohli, saying, "It's your moment, you sign it." This selfless act by Patidar has resonated with cricket fans, who have praised him for recognizing Kohli's immense contribution to RCB over the years.
Virat Kohli has been an integral part of RCB since the inaugural season of the IPL. He is the all-time leading run-scorer in the league and the only player to have played all 18 seasons for the same franchise. Despite his individual brilliance, the IPL title had eluded him until now. While Kohli had previously captained the team for several years, it was Rajat Patidar who led them to the promised land in 2025.
Kohli himself acknowledged Patidar's leadership and composure throughout the tournament. In a dressing room speech after the win, Kohli lauded Patidar's calmness under pressure, his bowling changes, and his overall balanced personality. He noted that Patidar led from the front and had a different mindset, which was instrumental in RCB's success.
Rajat Patidar's journey to becoming the IPL-winning captain is an inspiring one. He joined RCB in 2021 but couldn't make a significant impact and was subsequently released. He went unsold in the 2022 auction but was brought back as an injury replacement. In the Eliminator match of the 2022 season, he played a match-winning innings against Lucknow Super Giants, which proved to be a turning point in his career. After missing the 2023 season due to injury, he was appointed as the captain of RCB for the 2025 season.
Under Patidar's captaincy, RCB displayed a dominant performance throughout the tournament, finishing in the top two after the league stage for the first time since 2016. Patidar's leadership style has been described as a blend of MS Dhoni's calmness and Virat Kohli's aggression. He has been praised for backing his teammates and creating a positive environment within the team.
While RCB's victory celebrations were marred by a tragic incident in Bengaluru, where several people lost their lives in a stampede, the team did celebrate their win with fans at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. During the celebrations, Kohli lauded Patidar and invited him to address the crowd, further highlighting the respect and admiration he has for his captain.
In conclusion, Rajat Patidar's gesture towards Virat Kohli after RCB's IPL triumph exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and respect. Patidar, despite being the captain who led the team to victory, recognized Kohli's immense contribution and ensured that he had his moment of glory. This act has won the hearts of cricket fans and further cemented Patidar's reputation as a selfless and respected leader.
