In a significant move ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has appointed 31-year-old middle-order batter Rajat Patidar as their new captain. The announcement was made at an event held at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Thursday, February 13, marking a fresh chapter for the franchise.
Patidar, who has been a consistent performer for RCB since his debut in 2021, steps into the leadership role following the release of former captain Faf du Plessis. The Madhya Pradesh cricketer, who recently led his state team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, becomes the eighth player to captain RCB in the league’s history.
Reflecting on his journey and the captaincy discussions, Patidar shared, “Last year, I spoke with Mo Bobat (RCB’s director of cricket) about leadership. He asked if I was interested in captaining RCB, and I expressed my desire to first lead my state team. That conversation gave me a hint that this opportunity might come my way. Looking back at my journey from my IPL debut to now, it feels special.”
Patidar’s rise within the RCB setup has been remarkable. After being released ahead of the 2022 season, he made a stunning comeback as a replacement player following an injury to Luvnith Sisodia. In just eight innings that season, he scored 333 runs, including a century, cementing his place as a key player. His ability to dominate both pace and spin has made him a vital asset, and he was retained by RCB for INR 11 crore ahead of the mega auction, alongside Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal.
The appointment marks a shift in RCB’s leadership strategy, with Patidar taking over from stalwarts like Kohli and du Plessis. Kohli, who captained RCB from 2012 to 2021, led the team to three playoff appearances, including a runners-up finish in 2016. Du Plessis, who took over in 2022, guided the team to the playoffs in two of his three seasons.
RCB head coach Andy Flower expressed confidence in Patidar’s leadership qualities, highlighting his calm demeanor, care for teammates, and mental toughness. “Rajat has a calmness and simplicity that will serve him well as a leader, especially in a high-pressure tournament like the IPL,” Flower said. “He’s inherently quiet but deeply cares about the people around him, which earns him respect. Additionally, his stubbornness and steeliness, evident in his gameplay, will help him navigate the challenges of leading a big franchise.”
Patidar’s appointment has been met with optimism by fans and analysts alike, as RCB looks to finally clinch their maiden IPL title under his leadership. With a blend of experience and fresh energy, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
As the countdown to IPL 2025 begins, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar, the new captain tasked with steering RCB towards glory.
