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How RCB Almost Replaced Virat Kohli With Someone Else As Captain In IPL 2019

Akshita Patel

Moeen Ali makes big claim on RCB's doubts over Virat Kohli [Source: @Beast__07_/X.com, Getty]Moeen Ali makes big claim on RCB's doubts over Virat Kohli [Source: @Beast__07_/X.com, Getty]

In a surprising revelation, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Moeen Ali has claimed that the franchise seriously considered replacing Virat Kohli as captain during the 2019 IPL season. The England veteran said that Parthiv Patel, the former India wicketkeeper-batter, was in line to take over the captaincy that year.

The IPL season of 2019 was a catastrophe for RCB who finished last on the points table. The team could only win 5 out of 14 league matches, and this raised many queries of leadership and structure.

Moeen Ali Makes Shocking Revelation On Virat Kohli’s Captaincy With RCB

In an interview with SportsTak, Moeen shared that there were discussions within the team about the captaincy transition in 2019, especially when Gary Kirsten was the head coach. According to him, Parthiv Patel was seen as a strong candidate because of his sharp cricketing mind and experience.

Kohli, who has been with RCB since 2008, was reportedly going to be sacked as captain. However, for undisclosed reasons, the transition didn’t materialise.

"In the final year when Gary Kirsten was there-after the first year, I believe-Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain. That was the talk at the time. I don't know what happened or why it didn't materialise, but I'm sure he was seriously considered for the role," Ali said.

While Kohli continued to lead RCB until 2021, Moeen Ali’s comments have reignited debates about that turbulent phase. 

Kohli, one of the largest Indian cricket names, had led RCB between 2013 and 2021 but never managed to take the IPL trophy home in his time. Regardless, RCB’s trophy drought ended in 2025 as Rajat Patidar led the team to its maiden title victory.

When Did Virat Leave RCB Captaincy?

Virat Kohli relinquished RCB captaincy following the end of the 2021 IPL season. He had announced prior to the second half of IPL 2021 in the UAE that it would be his last season as franchise captain. Kohli had assumed the RCB captaincy in 2013 and captained the team for nine seasons, including a memorable run to the final in 2016. 

Despite his efforts, RCB never managed to win the IPL title under him, though. After stepping down, Kohli continued to play as a batter for the team, pledging loyalty to the franchise.