IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar named as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Rajat Patidar is the 4th Indian to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) named Rajat Patidar as new captain for the 18th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) in Bengaluru on Thursday (February 13). 

Patidar has quietly built a compelling case for himself. Retained by RCB ahead of the IPl 2025 auction, the 31-year-old has demonstrated astute leadership, having captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.  

"I really feel good right now. If I talk about my way of captaincy, I'm not very expressive, but it's important I back my players and stand with them. So they feel relaxed and competitive," Patidar said after being named RCB captain.

 

"It's good to have this group of leaders who can help me with growing personally as well."

 

"It's a great opportunity to learn from one of the best in cricket. (Virat's) experience and ideas will definitely help with this leadership role," Patidar added.  Check latest news on IPL 2025 here

 

Patidar led his state team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, where they fell short against Mumbai. Nevertheless, his performance was nothing short of extraordinary—he was the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, amassing 428 runs from 10 matches at an imposing average of 61 and an electrifying strike-rate of 186.08, second only to Ajinkya Rahane. 

The RCB's new captaincy announcement was accompanied by a strong message of support from former captain Virat Kohli, who backed Patidar to lead the franchise with distinction.

 

Congratulating the new skipper, Kohli said, “Rajat, I want to congratulate you, the way you have grown in this franchise, you have made a place in the heart of fans of RCB all over India. This is very well deserved. I tell you that myself and the other team members will be right behind you.”

 

Kohli also urged the team and fans to rally behind Patidar, stating, "Show him absolute support, get right behind him, he will always do what's best for the team, best for the franchise."  Meanwhile, former captain Faf du Plessis said," I'm officially passing over the baton. It's really special being a captain of RCB. Have a great time as captain, make sure you lean on the leadership. Most importantly, keep whacking those sixes."

   

Rajat Patidar’s batting & fielding Stats
Year	Mat	No	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100	50	4s	6s	CT
Career	27	1	799	112*	34.74	503	158.85	1	7	51	54	8
2024	15	0	395	55	30.38	223	177.13	0	5	21	33	3
2022	8	1	333	112*	55.5	218	152.75	1	2	27	18	4
2021	4	0	71	31	17.75	62	114.51	0	0	3	3	1

  Past captains of Royal Challengers Benagluru: 

• 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)

  Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 full schedule, match timings (IST) here   

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Final Squad for IPL 2025: 

 

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Lungi Ngidi, Swastik Chikkara, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.