The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made a bold move ahead of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, appointing Rajat Patidar as their new captain. The announcement, made on February 13 at a star-studded event attended by head coach Andy Flower, team director Mo Bobat, and the newly anointed skipper, marks a new chapter for the franchise. With this decision, Patidar becomes the eighth captain in RCB’s history and the fourth Indian to lead the team, joining the ranks of legends like Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble.
The decision has sparked excitement among fans and players alike, with former captains Kohli and Faf du Plessis sharing their thoughts on Patidar’s elevation to the leadership role.
Virat Kohli’s heartfelt message to the new skipper
Kohli, who led RCB for nearly a decade and remains one of the franchise’s most iconic figures, was quick to extend his support to Patidar. In a video shared by RCB on social media, Kohli expressed his confidence in the new captain, highlighting Patidar’s growth and contributions to the team.
“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat. 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,” Kohli said.
Kohli’s words carry significant weight, given his deep connection with RCB and his understanding of the pressures that come with leading the team. His endorsement is a testament to Patidar’s hard work and the trust he has earned within the squad.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌
“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
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
Also READ: IPL 2025: Why Rajat Patidar was chosen as RCB Captain? Andy Flower highlights 3 key qualities
Faf du Plessis passes the baton with wise advice
Du Plessis, who captained RCB in the previous seasons, also shared a message for Patidar. The South African stalwart emphasized the honour of leading RCB and urged Patidar to rely on the team’s leadership group for support.
“Congrats to you on being the new RCB captain and officially passing over the baton to you. It’s a great honor captaining any IPL team, but it’s really special being captain of RCB as it’s truly a great fan base, and you’ll see the owners will be there to support you all the way,” Du Plessis said.
Du Plessis’ advice underscores the importance of collaboration and leveraging the experience of senior players, a strategy that could prove crucial as Patidar steps into his new role.
Passing the Baton ft. Captain Faf du Plessis
Once an RCBian, always an RCBian! Former RCB Captain Faf congratulates Rajat on being named his successor at RCB, with a special request at the end that all of you would concur with. ❤🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #RCBCaptain #Rajat… pic.twitter.com/NJkuj71Dwn
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
Rajat Patidar’s captaincy credentials: A proven leader
Patidar’s appointment as captain is not just a leap of faith; it is backed by his impressive track record as a leader. Before donning the RCB jersey, Patidar led Madhya Pradesh in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Under his captaincy, Madhya Pradesh reached the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in 2024, where they narrowly lost to Mumbai. Patidar’s leadership was complemented by his stellar batting performance, as he finished as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 428 runs at an average of 61 and a strike rate of 186.08.
In the IPL, Patidar has been a consistent performer for RCB. In the 2024 season, he amassed 395 runs at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 177.13. Over his 27 matches for RCB, he has scored 799 runs at an average of 34.74 and a strike rate of 158.85. These numbers reflect his ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that will serve him well as captain.
Can Patidar lead RCB to their maiden title?
RCB’s journey in the IPL has been a mix of thrilling performances and heartbreaks. Despite reaching the finals three times, the franchise is yet to clinch its maiden title. With Patidar at the helm, the team will be hoping to turn the tide and finally lift the coveted trophy.
Patidar’s leadership style, combined with the support of seasoned players like Kohli, could be the catalyst RCB needs to break their title drought. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the new captain to see if he can lead RCB to glory and etch his name in the franchise’s history books. In the words of Kohli, this is a “well-deserved” opportunity for Patidar. Now, it’s up to him to seize the moment and make it count.
