Rajat Patidar has been appointed as the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025, starting on March 21.
This decision surprised many who expected Virat Kohli to reclaim the role after Faf du Plessis was not retained.
RCB announced Patidar’s captaincy at an event in Bengaluru, attended by team director Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and Patidar.
The 31-year-old batter, who has played three seasons with RCB, has scored 799 runs in 28 matches at a strike rate of 158.85.
Bobat confirmed that Kohli was considered but emphasized that the franchise wanted an Indian captain. “Virat does not need a title to lead,” Bobat said, noting Kohli’s influence on and off the field.
Patidar, who captained Madhya Pradesh in domestic tournaments last season, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “I told Mo last year that I wanted to captain my state team first before taking on a bigger role,” he said.
RCB, still seeking their first IPL title, have made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons.
With Patidar leading, the franchise aims to build on their recent performances and push for a maiden championship.
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