Why RCB Named Rajat Patidar as Captain for IPL 2025? Dinesh Karthik Breaks It Down
In a move that has surprised many cricket fans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has appointed Rajat Patidar as their captain for the IPL 2025 season. While speculation was rife about Virat Kohli potentially reclaiming the leadership role or Faf du Plessis continuing as skipper, the franchise has instead opted for a fresh face in the 31-year-old Madhya Pradesh batter.
But why Patidar? What made RCB choose him over more experienced candidates? Is this a bold move or a risky gamble?
RCB’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, has now shed light on the franchise’s reasoning, explaining why the team believes Patidar is the right man for the job.
Why Did RCB Choose Rajat Patidar as Captain?
RCB’s decision to name Patidar as their eighth captain wasn’t random—it was based on strong leadership credentials and a vision for the future. Speaking on Cricbuzz’s ‘Hey CB with DK’, Dinesh Karthik highlighted two major factors behind this surprising appointment.
Proven Leadership in Domestic Cricket
Patidar has showcased impressive leadership in the domestic circuit, particularly while captaining Madhya Pradesh. His ability to handle pressure, make tactical decisions, and motivate teammates made him stand out as a potential captain.
His leadership in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 was especially notable. He guided Madhya Pradesh to the final, earning praise for his captaincy, temperament, and ability to lead from the front with the bat.
“The way he led Madhya Pradesh was fantastic. Players had great things to say about his captaincy. That really encouraged us,” – Dinesh Karthik
A Fresh Start for RCB
With a new IPL cycle beginning and a restructured squad, RCB felt that it was the perfect time to introduce a fresh leader. The management saw Patidar as a long-term option, someone who could grow into the role and build a strong team culture.
“We wanted a new leader considering it’s a fresh group of players and a fresh cycle. These factors prompted us to make Rajat our captain,” – Dinesh Karthik
By choosing Patidar, RCB is signaling a shift in strategy—moving away from big-name captains to a leader who has proven himself in domestic cricket.
Rajat Patidar’s Impactful Performance in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Patidar wasn’t just a captain—he was also a match-winner with the bat. Leading Madhya Pradesh to a runner-up finish, he was one of the best performers in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, making a strong case for RCB’s captaincy role.
Patidar’s 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Stats
- Runs Scored: 428
- Strike Rate: 186.08
- Average: 61.14
- Matches Played: 10
- 2nd Leading Run-Scorer of the Tournament
Standout Performances
- Semifinal vs. Delhi: 66* off 29 balls (4 fours, 6 sixes)
- Final vs. Mumbai: 81 off 40 balls (6 fours, 6 sixes)
His ability to perform under pressure and lead by example was a significant factor in RCB’s decision to hand him the captaincy.
Patidar’s IPL Journey: From Breakout Star to Captain
Patidar’s IPL career has been a rollercoaster—marked by injuries, stunning performances, and a steady rise. Since making his debut in IPL 2021, he has developed into one of RCB’s most dependable batters.
- IPL Matches Played: 27
- Total Runs: 799
- 2024 Season: 395 runs in 15 matches
- IPL 2023: Missed due to injury
His breakout moment came in IPL 2022, when he smashed a 112 off 54 balls* in the Eliminator against Lucknow SuperGiants, proving he could deliver on the big stage.
But despite his success, the road to leadership hasn’t been easy. Missing IPL 2023 due to injury was a setback, but he made a strong comeback in IPL 2024, forcing RCB to retain him for ₹11 crore.
What This Means for RCB’s Future
With Patidar at the helm, RCB is entering a new era. The franchise has struggled with captaincy stability over the years, trying multiple leaders like:
- Virat Kohli (2013-2021)
- Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)
- Daniel Vettori, Shane Watson, Anil Kumble, Kevin Pietersen (past captains)
But the elusive IPL trophy has always remained out of reach.
Now, with Patidar as captain, RCB is placing a bet on youth and domestic experience. Will this gamble pay off?
Is Patidar the Right Choice? Fans Divided
Why This Could Work:
- Patidar is a fearless batter who thrives under pressure
- He has a strong domestic captaincy record
- A fresh approach could finally bring RCB success
Why This Could Backfire:
- He lacks IPL captaincy experience
- Leading an IPL team is a different challenge than domestic cricket
- RCB fans expected a more established leader
With IPL 2025 approaching, all eyes will be on Patidar to see if he can handle the pressure and take RCB to their first-ever title.
IPL 2025 is just around the corner. Are RCB fans ready for this new chapter?
