Rajat Patidar Named Captain of RCB for IPL 2025
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Synopsis
India's Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the new captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025, starting March 21. The announcement reflects his growth as a player and leader, succeeding Faf du Plessis.
Key Takeaways
- Rajat Patidar takes over as captain of RCB.
- He replaces Faf du Plessis, who previously led the team.
- Patidar has been a key player for RCB since 2021.
- His leadership experience includes captaining Madhya Pradesh.
- RCB aims for their first IPL title under his captaincy.
Bengaluru, Feb 13 (NationPress) Indian cricketer Rajat Patidar has been named the captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the forthcoming IPL 2025, which kicks off on March 21.
This announcement was made during an event in Bengaluru on Thursday, attended by Patidar, director of cricket Mo Bobat, and head coach Andy Flower.
Patidar takes over from former South African player Faf du Plessis, who captained the team from 2022 to 2024 but was not retained in last year's IPL mega auction.
The right-handed batter was among the three players retained by the franchise, along with former India captain Virat Kohli and pacer Yash Dayal. This marks his inaugural leadership role in the IPL; however, he has previously captained his state team Madhya Pradesh during the 2024-25 seasons of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy.
At 31, he has played three seasons for RCB since joining in 2021, establishing himself as a crucial player for the team, with 799 runs in 28 matches at an impressive strike rate of 158.85.
Upon Patidar's appointment, Kohli expressed his congratulations, stating, "Rajat, firstly I want to congratulate you and wish you all the very best. Your growth within this franchise and your performances have endeared you to all RCB fans across India. Your appointment is well deserved, and I assure you that the team will fully support you in this new role.
"Naturally, it's a significant responsibility. Having done this for many years and with Faf leading previously, being perceived as the individual to advance this franchise is undoubtedly an honor for you. I am very pleased for you, and I'm confident you will continue to excel in this position," he added.
Patidar was the second-highest run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 428 runs in nine innings at an average of 61.14 and a strike rate of 186.08. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored 226 runs with an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 107.10.
"I have observed Rajat's development as a player over the last couple of years. He has had opportunities to represent India. His game has advanced significantly, particularly in how he has led his state team and taken on responsibility, demonstrating that he possesses the capability to lead this outstanding franchise," Kohli stated.
"I extend my best wishes and urge all fans to rally behind him, confident that he will prioritize the team's and franchise's best interests.
"We must unite in supporting him because the most crucial aspect is the team and the franchise's success. We all share the responsibility to foster the growth of this remarkable team. Best wishes to him, and sending love to all fans. I look forward to seeing you soon and hope Rajat starts the season strong," concluded the former RCB captain.
Although RCB has reached the finals three times, they are still in pursuit of their first IPL title, with their last final appearance in 2016. They secured playoff spots in four of the last five seasons, including 2024, where they clinched a top-four position by winning their last six league matches, only to be eliminated in the playoffs.
Following Patidar's appointment, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are the only teams yet to announce their captains for the upcoming season.
Shreyas Iyer, who captained KKR last season, will now lead Punjab Kings, while former DC captain Rishabh Pant will take the helm at Lucknow Super Giants.
