The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have named a new captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The franchise has entrusted young batter Rajat Patidar with the leadership role, officially announcing the decision on social media.
RCB's Leadership Shakeup
Faf du Plessis, the captain from last year, was neither retained by the team nor picked in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Even though Virat Kohli is part of the team, he has chosen not to return to captaincy. Other likely contenders for the role were senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya, but RCB's management wished for a long-term plan and appointed Patidar.
Rajat Patidar's Career
Rajat Patidar, aged 31, debuted in a Test match for India last year and appeared in ODIs in 2023. But he has played not a single international T20 match. Since his IPL debut in 2021, he has appeared in 27 games, scoring 799 runs with a fantastic average of 34.74. Before the last IPL mega auction, RCB retained him at ₹11 crore, believing in his potential.
Virat Kohli’s Message to Patidar
Former RCB captain Virat Kohli congratulated Patidar through an RCB video message, expressing full support. "I and everyone in the team will be behind you. The way you have grown in the team is amazing. You have a special place among RCB fans. You deserve these responsibilities," Kohli stated.
RCB Captains Over the Years
Here’s a look at RCB’s captains throughout IPL history:
- Rahul Dravid (2008)
- Kevin Pietersen (2009 - Stand-in Captain)
- Anil Kumble (2009-2010)
- Daniel Vettori (2011-2012)
- Virat Kohli (2011-2021, 2023 - Stand-in Captain)
- Shane Watson (2017 - Stand-in Captain)
- Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)
- Rajat Patidar (2025 - Present)
With a fresh leadership approach, RCB aims for a strong IPL 2025 season under Patidar’s captaincy.
