Virat Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for over a decade, carving out a legacy as one of the most iconic players in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). His unwavering commitment, exceptional performances, and leadership have endeared him to fans worldwide. However, as cricket evolves and players navigate their careers, the inevitability of change looms large with the question who can replace Virat Kohli being thrown out on multiple occasions. With Kohli now in his mid-thirties and fans speculating about his future in international and franchise cricket, the discussion around who could step into his shoes and become RCB’s replacement has gained momentum.
The replacement of Virat Kohli is not a small task. It requires a combination of batting brilliance, a strong personality, and the ability to shoulder the immense pressure of leading a team with a passionate fanbase. In this article, we explore three potential candidates who could take on Kohli’s role in RCB, analyzing their strengths and suitability for one of the most coveted positions in IPL cricket.
Who can Replace Virat Kohli in RCB？
Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan is one of possible replacement of Virat Kohli. He has been one of the standout performers in India national cricket team, amassing runs with remarkable consistency, particularly in the longer formats. While his exploits in red-ball cricket have garnered significant attention, his raw talent and adaptability make him a strong candidate to fill RCB’s replacement for Virat Kohli. Sarfaraz’s ability to anchor innings while playing innovative and unorthodox shots under pressure could bring a fresh dimension to RCB’s middle order, especially as the team looks to restructure for the future.
What sets Sarfaraz apart is his previous stint with RCB, which gives him an edge in understanding the franchise’s culture and expectations. Although he isn’t a natural opener, RCB could adjust their team composition—potentially pairing Devdutt Padikkal with another opener—to accommodate Sarfaraz in the middle order. His inventive stroke play and ability to accelerate when needed make him a versatile option who could thrive with the backing of the team management.
In 50 IPL matches, Sarfaraz has scored 585 runs, including a highest score of 67 and a half-century, showcasing glimpses of his potential. While these numbers are modest compared to Kohli’s prolific record, they underline the untapped promise Sarfaraz carries. With the right opportunities and guidance, he could evolve into a pivotal player for RCB, embodying the grit and flair the team demands in the post-Kohli era and answering the question of Who can replace Virat Kohli.
Ayush Mhatre
Ayush Mhatre has emerged as an exciting prospect in Indian cricket, showcasing his potential during the recently concluded Under-19 Asia Cup. With a composed technique and impressive temperament, Mhatre made waves with his performances, batting at a strike rate of 100 in the 50-over format. His ability to balance aggression with stability at the crease has caught the attention of fans and experts alike, marking him as a player with immense promise. Though he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction despite a trial with CSK, the buzz around his talent remains strong.
For RCB, investing in a young player like Mhatre could be a strategic move to build for the future and answering the question of Who can replace Virat Kohli. As an opener, he has the potential to slot into a key position, ensuring the team remains competitive in the post-Kohli era. While he would need to adapt quickly to the pace and demands of IPL cricket, Mhatre’s natural talent and temperament suggest he could rise to the challenge. Given the right opportunities and mentorship, he could develop into a cornerstone player for the franchise, embodying the hunger and passion that RCB fans have come to admire in Kohli.
Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw, once heralded as one of India’s brightest cricketing talents during his Under-19 days, has seen his career take a challenging turn due to disciplinary issues and fitness concerns. Despite these setbacks, his undeniable talent and explosive batting make him a compelling candidate for RCB’s replacement of Virat Kohli. Known for his fearless approach, Shaw has the ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay, setting the tone for the innings and changing the momentum of a game in a matter of overs.
Considering that Virat Kohli has often opened the batting for RCB, the team management might prioritize finding a dynamic opener to fill the void. Prithvi Shaw’s aggressive style perfectly aligns with this requirement. Additionally, joining a high-profile franchise like RCB could provide Shaw with the much-needed platform to rejuvenate his career and showcase his potential on the big stage. With the right guidance and a structured environment, Shaw could be the answer to the question of Who can replace Virat Kohli.
Charting RCB’s Replacement of Virat Kohli
Replacing a player like Virat Kohli is no simple task, as his legacy at RCB extends beyond his exceptional batting to his leadership and immense influence on the franchise’s identity. However, cricket is a game of evolution, and RCB must prepare for the future with the right blend of talent, temperament, and potential.
To discuss who can replace Virat Kohli, we have analyzed and discussed 3 potential candidates, starting with Sarfaraz Khan who offers consistency and adaptability, leveraging his domestic performances and prior RCB experience. Ayush Mhatre, a rising star with immense promise, represents a long-term investment, bringing youthful energy and a solid technique to the team. Meanwhile, Prithvi Shaw’s explosive batting and ability to take on bowlers in the powerplay make him a high-risk, high-reward option with the potential to reinvigorate his career.
Each of these players brings unique qualities to the table, and the final choice will depend on RCB’s strategic vision and immediate needs. Whether they choose the dependable Sarfaraz, the promising Mhatre, or the dynamic Shaw, the decision will shape the franchise’s future in the post-Kohli era. With the right guidance and opportunities, any of these talents could rise to the occasion and carry forward the legacy of excellence associated with RCB.
