Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally achieved the dreams of their scores of fans in IPL 2025, when they finally won their first-ever title, after waiting for 18 years. This was a huge moment for a franchise which can be easily classified as one of the most popular teams in India. Virat Kohli has been the rock of this franchise, being the the only player in IPL history to represent one single team for 18 seasons at a stretch. The superstar India batter was also the captain of the franchise from 2013 to 2021. However, the franchise once came close to sacking him from his position.

In IPL 2019, RCB had a disastrous season where they finished last with five wins from 14 matches, taking just 11 points. After this, the franchise wanted to sack Virat Kohli, as revealed by former RCB and current Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star Moeen Ali in an interaction with India Today. He also revealed that Parthiv Patel was considered to be his replacement.

“Yes, I think he was. I’m quite sure he was. 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," Moeen revealed.

Virat Kohli eventually stepped down as the captain of RCB in 2021. He was replaced by Faf du Plessis eventually till 2024. There were reports that Kohli might come back as the captain in IPL 2025. However, RCB trusted Rajat Patidar with the captaincy duties. He eventually helped RCB finally achieve their dreams, leading them to their maiden title win.

Parthiv Patel has now gone on to become the assistant coach of the Gujarat Titans. He is also the mentor of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) team Outer Delhi Warriors.