AB De Villiers to Captain RCB in Virat Kohli’s Absence

Will Virat Kohli play IPL 10?

Virat Kohli (L) has been replaced by AB de Villiers as Royal Challengers Bangalore captain. (Photo: BCCI)

AB de Villiers will lead Royal Challengers Bangalore in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League if Virat Kohli does not recover from his shoulder injury in time. Daniel Vettori, RCB’s head coach, said that on 2 April, the team’s medical staff will decide on when Kohli can start for the team.

He [Kohli] will come in on 2 April. Between now and then, the BCCI doctors and physio will speak to us (on his condition). Right now, we don’t have a clear picture on his availability. We’ll know in the next few days.

Daniel Vettori, RCB Captain

He added:

The likely scenario is that de Villiers will take over the duties but we’ll answer that once we find out if Virat is out.

The Indian skipper had been forced to sit out of the Dharamsala Test due to an injury he sustained in Ranchi. After India’s series victory, Virat had suggested that his shoulder strain would keep him on the sidelines for a few weeks.

It’s still a few weeks to go before I can be 100 percent on the field. But these things happen in your career. Got to take it in my strike and move forward.

Virat Kohli

The IPL begins on 5 April and the Royal Challengers Bangalore face defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opener.

Fortunately, we have a number of exceptional batsmen who haven’t got many playing chances like Sarfaraz Khan and Mandeep Singh. It’s a huge asset for us that someone else can fill in those gaps.  

Daniel Vettori, RCB Captain

Kohli had hurt his shoulder while fielding during the third Test in Ranchi, forcing him to miss his first five-day game in 54 matches.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Hints He Will Miss The Start of IPL 10