In a surprising revelation, former England all-rounder Moeen Ali has opened up about a critical moment in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) history — when the franchise allegedly considered removing Virat Kohli from the captaincy during the 2019 IPL season.
Kohli’s Leadership: A Mixed Bag of Passion and Pressure
Virat Kohli officially became RCB’s full-time captain in 2013, taking over from Daniel Vettori. Over the years, he brought unmatched energy and determination to the role, even leading the team to the final in 2016 during a record-breaking batting season. However, success remained elusive. Under Kohli’s leadership, RCB often struggled to maintain consistency and ended up in the bottom half of the points table more often than not.
Critics questioned his inflexible strategies and constant tinkering with the playing XI — elements many believe contributed to the team’s poor performances over the years.
Moeen’s Shocking Revelation: Parthiv Patel Was in Line
Speaking to Sports Tak, Moeen Ali revealed that there was serious talk within the RCB camp about sacking Kohli as captain in 2019.
“Yes, I think he was. I’m quite sure he was,” Moeen said when asked if RCB considered replacing Kohli.
He further explained that it was during Gary Kirsten’s final year as coach when discussions took place about appointing Parthiv Patel as the new skipper.
“Parthiv was in line to become captain. He had a brilliant cricketing brain,” Moeen added.
“That was the talk at the time. I don’t know why it didn’t materialize, but I’m sure he was seriously considered.”
What Happened Next?
The 2019 season turned out to be Parthiv’s last in the IPL. He wrapped up his league career with 2,848 runs from 139 matches and two IPL titles — one each with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
RCB, meanwhile, parted ways with Gary Kirsten ahead of the 2020 season and brought in Simon Katich. But it wasn’t until Andy Flower’s tenure that the team finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy — a dream Kohli chased for years.
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