NEW DELHI: The wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat burst onto the scene in IPL 2022 when he was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for ₹3.4 crore at the auction. The left-hander justified RCB's faith with a quick-fire 66 against Mumbai Indians.

After three seasons with RCB, Rawat joined Gujarat Titans this year for his base price of ₹30 lakh. However, he spent the entire IPL 2025 on the bench, watching from the sidelines as his former franchise finally lifted their maiden trophy.

Speaking to Sports Yaari, Anuj opened up about Shubman Gill's rise as India's Test captain, his interactions with Jos Buttler in the GT dressing room, his happiness over RCB's long-awaited success, and Virat Kohli's future in ODIs.

On Shubman Gill's leadership

Rawat was full of praise for Gill, who not only led GT to the playoffs but has since gone on to captain India in Tests, including a commendable series draw in England.

"As a captain, bonding with players is very important, and that's Shubman's strength," Rawat said. "He talks to players as a friend, and that makes a huge difference. Even during IPL, we could sense he was ready for bigger leadership roles. The way he handled the England series was commendable."

When asked about his reaction to Gill being named Test captain, Anuj said, “Honestly, I wasn't surprised. I had seen his leadership qualities up close at GT. I knew he'd do well, but his individual performances on top of that have really helped him grow as a captain."

Learning from Jos Buttler

This season at GT also gave Rawat the chance to share the dressing room with England's World Cup-winning captain, Jos Buttler. Despite losing out on game time due to Buttler's presence, Rawat described the Englishman as a "gem of a person."

"One word for him – legend. He's such a humble and fun person to talk to. Whether it's batting tips or even general life advice, you can always learn something from him. On the field, he looks very serious smashing those big sixes, but off the field, he's light-hearted and full of jokes."

RCB's IPL 2025 triumph

Though now with GT, Rawat couldn't hide his emotions when RCB finally clinched their first-ever IPL title. Having been with the franchise for several years earlier, he said watching them win felt personal.

"As a fan, I was overjoyed," Rawat admitted. "When I was watching the final, I was genuinely so happy that RCB won. For years people used to say Virat Kohli hasn't won an IPL, and now that criticism is over. RCB are champions at last!"

On Kohli's ODI future

Rawat also dismissed speculation around Kohli's retirement after a viral photo showed his beard almost fully white, sparking fan concerns. "For me, he's the King. I have no doubt he'll play the 2027 World Cup. Virat is definitely not done yet."

On India vs Pakistan and DPL form

Looking ahead, Rawat is excited about the upcoming Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan. "India has always dominated in World Cups against Pakistan, and I feel this time will be no different. I'm confident India will win convincingly," he said.

Rawat himself is in fine touch in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL). "The hard work we put in before the season has paid off. When you perform in the first game, it builds confidence, and that carries through the tournament. We've been unbeaten so far, and the atmosphere in the team is fantastic. Hopefully, we can go all the way again this season."