Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The announcement was made by the franchise at an event in Bengaluru on February 13.

Patidar, a 31-year-old middle-order batter, has been with RCB since making his IPL debut in 2021. His journey with the team has been full of ups and downs. He was released ahead of the 2022 season and went unsold in the auction. However, an injury to Luvinth Sisodia opened the door for his return. Since then, Patidar has proven his worth, scoring 799 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 158.85. His match-winning century in the playoffs cemented his place in the squad. Ahead of the 2025 season, RCB retained him for INR 11 Crore, alongside Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal.

A New Era for RCB

Patidar’s appointment marks a new direction for RCB, who have had several high-profile captains over the years, including Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. Kohli led the team from 2013 to 2021, guiding them to the playoffs multiple times, including a runner-up finish in 2016. Du Plessis took over in 2022 but was released ahead of the 2025 season, with RCB looking for fresh leadership. Reports suggest that the franchise had informed Patidar last season to prepare for the captaincy role.

Patidar also has leadership experience in domestic cricket, having led Madhya Pradesh to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His ability to handle both pace and spin effectively makes him a key player for RCB. Former captain Du Plessis, now with Delhi Capitals, wished him well, while Kohli urged fans to support the team under its new leader.

RCB’s Captains Over the Years

Here’s a look at the players who have captained RCB since the inaugural IPL season:

• Rahul Dravid (2008)
• Kevin Pietersen (2009)
• Anil Kumble (2009-2010)
• Daniel Vettori (2011-2012)
• Virat Kohli (2011-2023)
• Shane Watson (2017)
• Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)
• Rajat Patidar (2025 – Present)

With RCB still chasing their first-ever IPL title, Patidar now has the responsibility of guiding the team to glory.

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