Rajat Patidar Appointed Captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has officially named Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the IPL 2025 season, marking a significant shift in leadership for the franchise. The decision, which was internally and externally deliberated, was announced at an event where Patidar was presented with the iconic blue blazer and red cap, in the presence of head coach Andy Flower, Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, and COO Rajesh Menon.
“It was a critical decision for the RCB. We have had legends. This decision was not easy at all. It was deliberated internally and externally. We feel the decision is good for the franchise over the next couple of years.” – RCB COO Rajesh Menon
Why RCB Chose Rajat Patidar as Captain?
The RCB leadership group spent significant time weighing their options, especially after Virat Kohli declined a return to the captaincy role. Since the franchise did not buy a designated leader in the IPL 2025 mega auction, they had to identify a captain from within their retained squad.
How Patidar Emerged as the Top Candidate
✔️ One of RCB’s three retained players – Held onto for ₹11 crore alongside Virat Kohli (₹21 crore) and Yash Dayal (₹5 crore).
✔️ Proven domestic leadership – Led Madhya Pradesh to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run-getter (428 runs in 9 innings).
✔️ Key performer for RCB – Established himself as a dependable middle-order batter, known for delivering in high-pressure matches.
While RCB also considered all-rounder Krunal Pandya, Patidar’s growing stature within the team made him the natural choice for the leadership role.
Patidar’s Journey in the IPL
Rajat Patidar first joined RCB in IPL 2021, though his initial performances were modest. However, his breakthrough came in IPL 2022, when he rejoined as an injury replacement for ₹20 lakh and played a match-winning knock in the Eliminator, scoring 112 off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants*.
📊 Patidar’s RCB Stats So Far:
- 27 Matches
- 799 Runs
- Strike Rate: 158.85
- Best Knock: 112 vs LSG (IPL 2022 Eliminator)*
Despite missing IPL 2023 due to injury, Patidar returned strong in IPL 2024, scoring 395 runs at an average of 30.38 with a blistering strike rate of 177.13.
His aggressive batting and ability to perform under pressure have made him a vital cog in RCB’s lineup, leading to his appointment as the eighth captain in franchise history.
RCB’s Captaincy Evolution Over the Years
Before Patidar, RCB has had seven different captains in their IPL history:
🔹 Rahul Dravid (2008)
🔹 Kevin Pietersen (2009)
🔹 Anil Kumble (2009-2010)
🔹 Daniel Vettori (2011-2012)
🔹 Virat Kohli (2013-2021)
🔹 Shane Watson (2017 – interim)
🔹 Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)
The franchise has long relied on experienced captains, making Patidar’s appointment a bold move as they look to build a new leadership era.
What This Means for RCB in IPL 2025
With a young captain leading the side, RCB’s strategy for IPL 2025 is expected to focus on:
✔️ Fresh leadership approach after the Kohli-du Plessis era.
✔️ An aggressive, fearless batting template.
✔️ Developing a long-term Indian leader for the franchise.
While Kohli remains the heart of the team, Patidar’s leadership will be under scrutiny as he takes charge of a franchise still searching for its maiden IPL title.
Can Patidar Lead RCB to Glory?
RCB’s decision to appoint Rajat Patidar as captain signals a bold shift towards grooming a young leader. With a power-packed squad featuring Kohli, Maxwell, and exciting new recruits, Patidar will be tasked with ending RCB’s title drought.
🚨 Do you think Patidar is the right choice to lead RCB? Will this fresh approach finally bring them IPL glory? Drop your thoughts below!
