Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the new captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, marking the beginning of a new era for the franchise. Known for his aggressive batting and fearless approach, Patidar now shoulders the responsibility of leading RCB in their continued pursuit of their maiden IPL title.
With his appointment, Patidar joins a prestigious list of RCB captains, following the likes of Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis. The franchise has always been home to some of the game’s most influential leaders, and Patidar’s elevation signals the team’s confidence in his ability to lead from the front.
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Fans are eager to see how he embraces this challenge, as he looks to guide RCB to IPL glory and establish himself among the franchise’s iconic captains.
Patidar is no stranger to leadership roles. He has been a key part of Madhya Pradesh’s (MP) domestic setup, leading the team across all formats. In the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he captained MP to the finals and played a crucial role in their campaign, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run-getter with 428 runs in 10 matches at an average of 61.14 and an explosive strike rate of 186. His ability to perform under pressure and take on spinners with ease has made him a standout talent.
Since joining RCB in 2022, Patidar has been one of the franchise’s most reliable Indian batters. In 24 IPL innings, he has scored 799 runs at an average of 34.73 and a strike rate of 158.84, including one century and seven fifties.
One of his most memorable performances came during the 2022 IPL Eliminator against LSG, where he smashed a sensational century, becoming the first uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs.
In the 2024 IPL season, Patidar played a crucial role in RCB’s late push for the playoffs, after the team managed just one win in their first eight games. He finished the season with 395 runs in 13 matches at an average of over 30 and a strike rate of 177+, including five fifties.
Patidar made his international debut for India in late 2023, featuring in an ODI and three Tests. In his ODI debut against South Africa, he played an aggressive 22-run knock, showcasing his natural attacking game.
However, his Test performances have been underwhelming so far. In six innings against England at home, he managed only 63 runs, with a highest score of 32. Despite these early struggles, his IPL and domestic form suggest he has the talent to bounce back.
Virat Kohli Backs Rajat Patidar as RCB’s New Captain for IPL 2025
In a video shared on RCB’s official X handle, Kohli extended his best wishes to Patidar, assuring him of unwavering support from the team.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat”: Virat Kohli
“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”… pic.twitter.com/dgjDLm8ZCN
“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat,” Kohli said, acknowledging the batter’s journey and impact at RCB.
“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you have made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved,” he added.
RCB Head Coach Andy Flower Backs Rajat Patidar’s Captaincy for IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has entered a new era of leadership, appointing Rajat Patidar as captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The decision has been met with strong support from RCB head coach Andy Flower, who has expressed full confidence in Patidar’s leadership abilities.
Speaking about the newly appointed skipper, Flower highlighted Patidar’s patience, composure, and ability to stay focused under pressure, making him an ideal leader for a high-stakes tournament like the IPL.
“Regarding Rajat, I liked his patience and simplicity. A player should have such qualities for a game like IPL. Rajat has the patience to observe everything calmly. No matter how many ups and downs he sees, he does not lose focus on the game,” Flower stated.
Flower further emphasized that Patidar possesses all the qualifications necessary to lead RCB successfully in IPL 2025.
“Rajat has all the qualifications to be a captain,” he added, reaffirming his trust in the young batter’s ability to handle the responsibility of leading one of the IPL’s most passionate franchises.
My way of captaincy is slightly different, says Newly appointed RCB captain Patidar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entered a new era with Rajat Patidar taking over as captain ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 31-year-old batter, who has been an integral part of RCB and Madhya Pradesh cricket, expressed his excitement about the new role and shed light on his leadership approach.
Patidar, speaking in a video posted by RCB on Instagram, described his captaincy style as calm and composed. He emphasized that he prefers to remain quiet and observant, making decisions based on situational awareness rather than reacting emotionally. “My way of captaincy is slightly different. I am more quiet, calm, and at the same time, I am aware of the situations—what is needed and what is not needed. I do not express much, and I do not really panic in pressure situations. I think this is my strength,” he said. Patidar also acknowledged the presence of experienced leaders in the team, both Indian and overseas players, and expressed confidence that their input would help him in his leadership journey.
His journey with RCB has been filled with ups and downs. Patidar first joined the team in 2021 but was released after playing just four matches. He went unsold in the mega auction, an emotional moment that made him doubt his chances of returning to the IPL. However, fate had other plans. RCB brought him back in 2022 as a replacement player for Rs 20 lakh after an injury in the squad. “I started playing in 2021 for RCB when I got a chance. I did not get picked in the mega auction, and I was a bit emotional that I would not get a second chance. All these things were going on in my mind, and RCB picked me as a replacement. I had a belief that if this happens, something good will happen,” he recalled.
Patidar made a sensational impact in 2022 when he scored a century against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL eliminator—the first-ever by an uncapped player in an IPL playoff. That knock propelled him to stardom, but his journey hit another roadblock when he suffered an injury in 2023, forcing him to miss the entire season. During this tough period, he found solace in the unwavering support of RCB fans. “I got injured in 2023 and was away from the game for a year. I had ups and downs in my IPL journey. The way the fans supported me during that time was a good moment for me. I felt that I have RCB fans with me who are supporting me,” he said.
Despite setbacks, Patidar has always relied on his self-belief to push forward. “Wherever I go, that word (belief) is always with me. That belief is my strength. I carry that belief with me wherever I go,” he shared. He highlighted RCB’s incredible comeback in the 2024 season when the team qualified for the playoffs from a difficult position. “The way we took the team to the next level and qualified from the bottom in the 2024 season, that was a happy moment for me.”
Being named captain of RCB has been the biggest milestone of his IPL career so far. Expressing his joy, he said, “Getting appointed as a captain has been the best moment of my IPL career. I am very happy and ready for the upcoming challenges.”
As RCB gears up for the 2025 season under his leadership, fans will be eager to see how Patidar’s calm and collected approach translates into on-field success.
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