Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has seen several captains lead the franchise through the ups and downs of the Indian Premier League (IPL). From experienced international stars to young Indian talent, Royal Challengers Bengaluru captains have shaped the team’s journey over the years. Some captains brought stability, while others struggled to turn the team’s fortunes around. Let’s see the full RCB all captains list below.

All Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captains

Notable leaders like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Anil Kumble played crucial roles in defining the team’s competitive spirit. In the following paragraph, we will look at all the captains who have led RCB, focusing on their leadership style, team performance, and memorable moments during their tenure.

1. Rahul Dravid (2008)

Rahul Dravid was the first name on the RCB all captains list and led the team in the inaugural IPL season. Despite his immense experience, the team finished seventh, winning only four games. His leadership was more traditional, focusing on stability, but the squad lacked T20 firepower. Dravid, known for his classic approach to cricket, found it challenging to adapt to the high-paced nature of T20 cricket. The team struggled with consistency. The lack of explosive finishers and ineffective bowling combinations further hampered their campaign.

2. Kevin Pietersen (2009)

Pietersen was appointed captain in 2009 but led only six matches before leaving for national duties. His aggressive approach didn’t yield results, and he won just two matches before handing over the captaincy. While he was a dynamic batsman, his leadership stint was too brief to make a lasting impact. The team performed better under the leadership of Anil Kumble after Pietersen’s departure.

3. Anil Kumble (2009-2010)

Anil Kumble was the third name on the RCB all captains list. His tenure marked a turning point for RCB. His calm and strategic leadership helped the team reach the IPL 2009 final, where they narrowly lost to the Deccan Chargers. A veteran spinner and one of India’s most respected cricketers, Kumble led by example, finishing with an impressive 54.28% win rate.

Under him, RCB established itself as a serious contender in the IPL. His captaincy was characterized by astute field placements, tactical bowling changes, and the ability to inspire confidence in his players. Kumble’s ability to extract the best from his bowlers played a crucial role in RCB’s success during his tenure. In IPL 2010, RCB made it to the semi-finals, showcasing consistency under his leadership. Even though he retired after the 2010 season, his influence on RCB’s leadership culture remained strong.

4. Daniel Vettori (2011-2012)

New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori took over in 2011, leading the team to the IPL final that year. A composed and tactical captain, he balanced aggression with discipline. During his tenure, Virat Kohli, who would later become RCB’s most iconic leader, rose. Vettori’s calm demeanor helped stabilize the team, and his experience as a spinner added depth to the bowling unit. While RCB had a strong batting lineup, their inconsistency in knockout games remained a challenge.

5. Virat Kohli (2011-2023)

Virat Kohli was one of the best Royal Challengers Bengaluru captains of all time. Taking full-time charge in 2013, he was passionate, aggressive, and led from the front with his batting. His standout season came in 2016, when he scored a record-breaking 973 runs and guided RCB to the final. Despite his brilliance, Kohli couldn’t secure an IPL title.

His leadership style was intense, inspiring, yet sometimes burdened by expectations. Under his captaincy, RCB reached the finals once and the playoffs multiple times, but inconsistency and lack of balance in the squad often proved costly. Kohli was known for backing his players, but at times, his aggressive approach led to strategic missteps. His decision to step down as captain after the 2021 season was seen as a move to relieve pressure and focus on his batting. Despite stepping down, he continued to be the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup.

6. Shane Watson (2017)

Shane Watson joined the RCB all captains list when he briefly led RCB in 2017. However, the team struggled, and he won only one of the three games he captained. His experience as an all-rounder was valuable, but the team was already in a difficult phase that year, finishing last in the standings.

7. Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)

Faf du Plessis was the last of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru captains, who brought a fresh perspective to RCB’s leadership. A seasoned campaigner, he emphasized stability and consistency. In his first season as captain, he guided RCB to the playoffs in 2022. His composed yet attacking style made RCB a more balanced team, and he maintained a 50% win rate across his tenure.

Du Plessis’ ability to read the game and adjust strategies mid-match was a key strength. He focused on improving RCB’s fielding and strengthening their top-order batting. His leadership helped players like Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik flourish under pressure. Despite not winning the IPL, he helped create a strong team environment. His experience as a former South African captain played a significant role in bringing calmness to RCB’s dressing room. His leadership remains crucial as the team looks to break its title drought.

8. Rajat Patidar (2025)

Back to the present, Rajat Patidar is the new leader of RCB. Under his strategies and leadership, the team is fighting for a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs. What kind of spark will Patidar bring to the team? It’s definitely something to look forward to.

Conclusion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captains’ list has seen a mix of legendary cricketers, strategic minds, and fiery competitors. While captains like Kumble and Vettori brought tactical acumen, Kohli and Du Plessis emphasized aggression and resilience. Despite not winning an IPL trophy yet, the franchise continues to evolve, hoping that its next leader will finally bring home the coveted title.