RCB Gets New Captain

Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, starting March 21. The 31-year-old, who has been with RCB since 2021, was one of their three retained players ahead of the mega auction. He has previously led Madhya Pradesh in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

Patidar becomes RCB's eighth captain and fourth Indian to lead the team, following the likes of Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis, who led RCB from 2022 to 2024, was released and will now play for Delhi Capitals. Kohli, who captained RCB from 2013 to 2021, was considered a frontrunner but expressed full support for Patidar. 

Head Coach Andy Flower highlighted Patidar’s calmness, leadership qualities, and determination as key reasons for his selection. Kohli also praised him, urging fans to support the new captain. 

RCB made significant squad changes ahead of IPL 2025, including the additions of Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are yet to announce their captains. 

RCB fans eagerly await the season under Patidar’s leadership, hoping for a strong performance in their quest for an elusive IPL title.