Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the captain of Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) for the 2025 Indian Premier League season, starting 22nd March. Before the massive auction last year, Patidar, who joined RCB in 2022, was still with the team and retained after having a fantastic run.

Experienced Leader

Having captained Madhya Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI) and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20), the 31-year-old batter has previous leadership experience.

Welcome to your Raj, Ra-pa. 👑

The baton has been passed, and your name has made it to the history books.

It’s time for a new chapter! Let’s give the best fans in the world what they’ve been waiting for all these years. 🙌 #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #RCBCaptain #Rajat #RajatPatidar… pic.twitter.com/AKwjM9bnsq

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025

Last year, Madhya Pradesh advanced to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final under his leadership, but Mumbai defeated them by a slim margin. With 428 runs at an average of 61 and a strike rate of 186.08, Patidar finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the 2022–2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, demonstrating his exceptional batting skill. Despite rumours that Virat Kohli, the former captain, would make a comeback at the helm of the franchise, he decided to play as a pure batter, paving the way for Patidar to take up the role as the RCB new captain.

Why have RCB Shown Faith in Rajat Patidar？

Rajat Patidar has been chosen by RCB to be captain for the 2025 IPL season because of his strong leadership background. Despite Madhya Pradesh’s defeat by Mumbai, Patidar’s ability to guide the team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final demonstrates his tenacity and capacity for high-pressure play. In the 2022–2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Patidar was a remarkable batter who finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 428 runs with an outstanding strike rate of 186.08. His versatility and tactical grasp of the game are evident in his leadership in both the T20 and ODI formats of the game.

🚨 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿 – 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗿𝘂 🚨

The journey of self-belief. That blessed feeling. This opportunity. Hear all about it from the Man of the Hour, the calm, the balanced, and extremely likeable,… pic.twitter.com/6L5OdbmUDR

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025

It is anticipated that Rajat Patidar’s leadership abilities will infuse RCB’s approach with an unconventional and exciting approach. His ability to remain poised under pressure, which he displayed when captaining Madhya Pradesh, will be essential in difficult scenarios, particularly in close games as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2025 captain.

Rajat Patidar, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2025 captain, will give RCB a well-rounded leadership style that adjusts to various match situations. In addition to his aggressive batting approach, his experience coaching young players and developing potential will help inspire confidence and promote a bold, high-energy team environment.

How’s Patidar Performed in Previous IPL seasons？

After making his IPL debut in 2021, Rajat Patidar immediately became an important member of the RCB team. Patidar, who was held for INR 11 crores before the 2025 mega auction by the franchise, has participated in 27 IPL games and scored 799 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 158.85. In 2022, against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), he recorded a career-high knock of 112*. RCB new captain, Rajat Patidar, is renowned for his capacity to score quick runs and perform well under pressure. His stats in the IPL so far are as follows:

Some of Rajat Patidar’s most famous IPL performances have been his incredible 112* off 54 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 Eliminator, which made him the first uncapped player to reach a century in the playoffs. In Qualifier 2, he followed this up with a strong 58 off 42 balls against the Rajasthan Royals. In 2024, Rajat Patidar led RCB to 241/7 against Punjab Kings with 55 off 23 balls, which included three fours and six sixes. Although the side lost both games, he also helped RCB reach 196/8 with a score of 50 from 26 balls against the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 season.

Virat Kohli’s Reaction to Decision of RCB Management？

When asked about how he was feeling at the appointment of Rajat Patidar as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2025 captain, Virat Kohli reacted positively and was very happy about the decision taken by the team management. It is clear that Kohli does not need a title to be the leader on the field, and Rajat Patidar will lean on him as and when required.

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

He will be among the first ones to assist Rajat Patidar, RCB new captain, whenever required during a match and will be among the leadership group of the team. In an online video, Kohli said, “Firstly, I want to congratulate you and wish you all the best. You have really made a place in the hearts of all the RCB fans throughout the years. This is very well deserved. Myself and the other team members will always be there to support you. It’s a huge honour for you. I am very happy for you.”

Virat Kohli Congratulating Rajat Patidar … #Rcbcaptain pic.twitter.com/z6QPjQBJ3J

— 😼 (@MasterrGogo) February 13, 2025

On social media, many fans have shared their opinions on Kohli not being selected as captain. After all, under his leadership, RCB never managed to win a single championship trophy. Now, the captaincy baton has been passed to Rajat Patidar—will he successfully lead the team to an IPL championship? Let’s wait and see.