RCB Captain announcement: Rajat Patidar is new RCB captain for IPL 2025

Patidar, who has been with the franchise since 2022, was among RCB's retained players ahead of last year's mega auction.

12:33 PM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Did Kohli put forward Patidar's name for captaincy?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Andy Flower has lauded Virat Kohli’s maturity and leadership, highlighting the former captain’s role in the team’s resurgence last season and his support for new skipper Rajat Patidar.

 

Reflecting on discussions with Kohli regarding the captaincy transition, Flower was full of praise for his attitude.

 

"In our discussion with Virat, I thought the integrity and maturity he showed as a man regarding this subject was exactly what I expect. One of the things that stood out was the enthusiasm he is looking forward to this IPL with. He likes and respects Rajat as a person and a player."

 

Flower also pointed to the authenticity with which Kohli endorsed Patidar, saying it was a reflection of the same energy he and RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat had experienced in their interactions with him.

 

"You saw the authenticity with which he spoke, that's exactly what Mo and I experienced. First half of the season when we were struggling, he was a key part of turning the season around in how he works on himself and models his game, how he supported Faf. My respect for him could only grow."

12:31 PM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Patidar on Team combination

Newly appointed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar has expressed confidence in the team's bowling attack ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, set to begin on March 21.

 

Speaking about the squad’s composition, Patidar highlighted the improvements made in the bowling department.

 

"We have a good bowling unit. If I compare with last year, our bowling has improved," he said.

 

Patidar also sent a strong message to RCB fans, assuring them of the team’s commitment to delivering results.

 

"This is a message to fans: we will do whatever it takes to get the best results."

12:26 PM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Patidar on RCB captaincy

Rajat Patidar Speaks on RCB Captaincy: "A Great Opportunity to Learn from the Best"

 

Newly appointed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar addressed the media for the first time following his appointment, expressing his gratitude and vision for the role.

 

"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 stated during the press conference.

 

Acknowledging the presence of experienced leaders in the squad, he added, "It's good to have this group of leaders who can help me with growing personally as well."

 

Patidar also highlighted the opportunity to learn from former RCB captain Virat Kohli, whose leadership and experience he sees as invaluable. "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."

 

With Patidar at the helm, RCB will look to forge a new path in IPL 2025, aiming to build a strong and competitive unit under his leadership.

12:07 PM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Kohli on Patidar as new Bengaluru captain

Rajat Patidar Named RCB Captain for IPL 2025, Kohli Extends Full Support

 

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have named Rajat Patidar as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The 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.”

11:56 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Bengaluru's new captain revealed

11:50 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Bobat and Flower at the event

Coach Bobat and Andy Flower arrive at the event to announce the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

11:46 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Presser begins

The event for announcing the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru started. The announcement is just around the corner.

11:43 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Waiting for RCB's coach for presser

The announcement of RCB captain has been delayed as Bengaluru's coaches not arrived at the press conference yet.

11:37 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Coach Bobat and Flower to address press

Mo Bobat and Andy Flower are moments away from unveiling RCB’s much-anticipated captaincy decision—a revelation that could shape the team’s destiny in IPL 2025. Fans can catch the live announcement on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar as the suspense reaches its peak. Will RCB turn to experience, or is a new era about to begin? The wait is almost over!

11:35 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Final Squad for IPL 2025

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.

11:28 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: The big news just around the corner!!!

11:20 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Watch Karthik teases the RCB fans!!

11:17 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Will the new captain end Bengaluru's IPL title drought?

Royal Challengers Bangalore may still be chasing their elusive first Indian Premier League title, but under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, they came agonisingly close in 2016. That season remains etched in history—not just for RCB’s run to the final but for Kohli’s mind-boggling 973 runs, a record that still stands.

 

Fast forward to IPL 2024, and Kohli was once again the driving force. Finishing as the tournament’s top scorer, his 741 runs at a blistering strike rate of 154.69 powered RCB’s dramatic late surge into the playoffs, only for their journey to end in the Eliminator.

Virat Kohli disappointed after RCB were eliminated from IPL 2024. Photo: Sportzpics

11:08 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Why RCB needs a new captain?

RCB’s Captaincy Conundrum: Who Will Take the Helm?

 

With Faf du Plessis no longer in the mix, Royal Challengers Bangalore find themselves at a crossroads. The seasoned leader, who guided the team for three seasons from 2022 to 2024, was not retained, nor did RCB show interest in reclaiming him at the auction. At 40, du Plessis found a new home with Delhi Capitals at his base price, marking the end of his tenure in Bengaluru.

 

His departure reopens a familiar debate—should Virat Kohli reclaim the throne? The face of RCB for nearly a decade, Kohli had relinquished the captaincy in 2021 after leading in 143 matches—the second most for any skipper in Indian Premier League history, trailing only MS Dhoni. His record? 68 wins, 71 losses, and four no-results.

 

With the leadership baton up for grabs, RCB now stand at a pivotal moment. Will they turn to a familiar face or usher in a new era with a bold choice? The answer could shape their fortunes in IPL 2025.

Ahmedabad: India's Virat Kohli during the third One Day International (ODI) cricket match of a series between India and England, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Photo: PTI)

10:54 AM

RCB captain announcement LIVE UPDATES: Who are in contention?

The identity of the new RCB captain remains shrouded in mystery, but all eyes are on one man—Virat Kohli. The talismanic leader, who helmed the franchise from 2013 to 2021 before relinquishing the role, remains the strongest contender. His indomitable spirit saw him step in as captain for three matches in IPL 2023, reigniting hopes of a grand return to the helm.

 

Yet, an unexpected challenger lurks in the shadows—Rajat Patidar. The 31-year-old middle-order batter, a loyal warrior for RCB since 2021, was among the franchise’s three prized retentions ahead of the mega auction in November. Having led Madhya Pradesh with distinction in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Patidar has proven his mettle. Could he be the one to usher in a new era for RCB? The stage is set, and the decision looms large.

RCB Rajat Patidar. (Photo: PTI)