In a surprising turn of events, Rajat Patidar has been named the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, which is set to kick off on March 21. This announcement came as a shock to many who anticipated Virat Kohli to resume his role as captain after Faf du Plessis was not retained by the team.
The news was unveiled at an event in Bengaluru attended by key figures such as team director Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and the newly appointed captain, Patidar. Since joining RCB in 2021, Patidar has showcased his prowess as a standout batter, amassing an impressive 799 runs in 28 matches at a striking rate of 158.85. Flower commended Patidar’s calm demeanor and his genuine concern for his teammates, qualities that are vital for a successful leader in the high-intensity environment of the IPL.
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Although there was speculation around Kohli’s potential return as captain, Bobat revealed that both Kohli and Patidar were considered strong contenders for the role. The team management ultimately decided to opt for an Indian captain, given the nature of the competition. While Kohli’s leadership abilities were acknowledged, the coaching staff was impressed by Patidar’s eagerness to take on the captaincy responsibilities, drawing from his experience leading Madhya Pradesh in domestic tournaments.
“We wanted an Indian captain predominantly because this is an Indian competition. Of course, Virat was an option. [But] Virat does not need a captaincy title to lead. Even last year with Faf as captain, we have seen that,” Bobat explained. The decision to appoint Patidar was reinforced by discussions with key stakeholders, including Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach, and Kohli himself, who provided valuable insights into the leadership potential of the newly appointed captain.
Patidar’s Journey to Captaincy
At 31 years old, Patidar has already proven his mettle as a leader, having captained Madhya Pradesh in recent domestic tournaments with notable success. Reflecting on his journey, Patidar expressed his elation at the opportunity to lead RCB, emphasizing his desire to captain a state team before taking on the IPL captaincy. His outstanding performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy further solidified his credentials as a capable leader both on and off the field.
“I had a conversation with Mo last year,” Patidar shared. “I told him before getting the captaincy of RCB, I want to captain a state team. When they told me about this that it could be between Virat and Rajat, I was happy. I can’t express my reaction.” Patidar’s impressive track record as a top run-scorer in domestic competitions underscores his readiness to lead RCB to greater heights in the upcoming IPL season.
With Patidar at the helm, RCB aims to clinch their maiden IPL title, having come close as finalists on three occasions, most recently in 2016. Despite their consistent playoff appearances in recent years, the team is determined to break the championship drought and make a strong statement in the highly competitive tournament. As the countdown to the IPL 2025 season begins, the spotlight now shines on Patidar and his leadership as he steers RCB towards their quest for glory.
Now, as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC) are the only teams yet to announce their captains for the upcoming season, the IPL 2025 promises to be a thrilling battle of cricketing giants vying for ultimate supremacy on the field. As the anticipation builds and the teams gear up for what lies ahead, the stage is set for a riveting season filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable cricketing moments.
