RCB's Cryptic Diwali Post Fuels Speculation About Virat Kohli's IPL 2025 Captaincy Return

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise of the Indian Premier League (IPL) sparked excitement among fans on Wednesday with a cryptic tweet hinting at Virat Kohli's possible return as captain for the 2025 season. The post showcased Kohli's memorable performances during the past two Diwalis and left fans speculating about what surprises the upcoming festival may bring, especially as it coincides with the deadline for IPL retention announcements.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, RCB posted an image comprising his stunning knock of an unbeaten 82 against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the 2022 T20 World Cup. It also mentioned the match against the Netherlands in the 2023 ODI World Cup where the former India captain had picked up a wicket dismissing captain Scott Edwards.

The franchise then asked fans what they expect for the 35-year-old in Diwali this year. This left many wondering of RCB did drop a hint on Kohli's return to captaincy for the 2025 edition of the IPL amid growing rumours on the possibility. On the contrary, it could also be about Kohli's performance against New Zealand in the third and final Test match, slated to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, starting Friday.

According to a report in the Times of India, the India batting great is expected to take over the role for the next IPL season. The franchise is yet to address the captaincy issue with Faf du Plessis turning 40.

It could be Kohli's second captaincy stint with the RCB, having previously led the franchise between 2013 and 2021, as he became the third longest serving skipper in IPL history with 143 such appearances, after MS Dhoni (226) and Rohit Sharma (158). During this run, RCB won 66 matches and lost 70, while three ended in ties and four no-results. They had also reached the final once under Kohli's tenure, in 2016, before losing the final to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The season, however, remains Kohli's best performance in an IPL edition, having scored a record 973 runs.