The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have officially announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the IPL 2025 season, set to commence next month. The decision comes as a surprise to many, with Virat Kohli, the franchise’s longest-serving player and marquee retention at ₹21 crore, also being considered for the role. However, RCB has opted for a fresh leadership approach, handing the captaincy to Patidar, who was retained for ₹11 crore ahead of the auction.
Rajat Patidar’s Journey with RCB
Patidar’s rise in the RCB setup has been remarkable. Having first joined the franchise in IPL 2021, his initial stint was underwhelming, managing just 71 runs in four matches. However, his fortunes turned around in IPL 2022, when he rejoined the squad as an injury replacement for Luvnith Sisodia for ₹20 lakh.
📌 Key Moments in Patidar’s RCB Career:
✅ IPL 2022 Breakthrough: 333 runs, including a match-winning 112 in the Eliminator vs LSG*.
✅ Missed IPL 2023 Due to Injury.
✅ IPL 2024 Performance: 395 runs at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 177.13.
So far, Patidar has featured in 27 IPL matches, amassing 799 runs at an impressive strike rate of 158.85.
Why Did RCB Choose Rajat Patidar Over Virat Kohli?
With Faf du Plessis not retained, many expected Kohli to take back the captaincy. However, RCB’s decision to entrust Patidar with leadership signals a shift towards building a young, long-term core.
Reasons Behind Patidar’s Appointment:
- Aggressive batting mindset suits RCB’s brand of cricket.
- Fresh leadership approach after years under Kohli and du Plessis.
- Consistent performer in crucial games.
- Potential long-term captaincy option for the franchise.
While Kohli remains the franchise’s heart and soul, RCB is clearly looking towards the future with Patidar at the helm.
What This Means for RCB in IPL 2025
With a new leader at the helm, RCB’s approach for IPL 2025 will likely feature:
✔️ A more aggressive batting strategy under Patidar.
✔️ Kohli playing with complete freedom without leadership burden.
✔️ Young Indian players getting leadership exposure.
The pressure will be immense on Patidar, but his rise in the IPL suggests he is ready to take on the challenge.
Can Patidar Lead RCB to Their First Title?
While RCB fans expected a more experienced leader, the decision to appoint Rajat Patidar as captain reflects a bold, forward-thinking approach. With a power-packed squad featuring Kohli, Maxwell, and star overseas players, RCB will be aiming to break their IPL trophy drought under Patidar’s leadership.
🚨 What do you think of RCB’s decision to make Rajat Patidar captain? Will he lead them to IPL glory? Drop your thoughts below!
