In a move that has taken many by surprise, Rajat Patidar has been named the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, which is set to begin on March 21.
Rajat Patidar: 8th captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru
This decision goes against the widespread expectations that Virat Kohli would return as captain, following RCB’s decision to release Faf du Plessis, who led the team from 2022 to 2024. The official announcement was made during an event in Bengaluru on Thursday, attended by team director Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and Patidar himself. Patidar, who has been with RCB since 2021, has grown into one of their most dependable batters, accumulating 799 runs in 28 matches at a strike rate of 158.85. His retention ahead of the mega auction in November signaled his importance to the franchise, but his elevation to captaincy marks a significant milestone in his career.
Why did RCB choose Patidar as captain? Andy Flower explains
RCB head coach Flower shed light on the rationale behind Patidar’s appointment, emphasizing three key qualities that made him an ideal leader.
He highlighted Patidar’s calmness and simplicity under pressure, stating that his ability to maintain composure in high-intensity situations will be crucial in the IPL’s demanding environment. This trait, coupled with his measured approach to the game, makes him well-suited to handling the responsibilities of captaincy.
“There’s calmness and simplicity to Rajat that will stand him in good stead as a leader particularly in IPL. The calm, simple demeanour that inherently lives within Rajat will help him in the hurly burly of the tournament,” Flower said in an event.
Flower also pointed out that Patidar, despite being a relatively quiet figure, has a strong leadership presence and naturally commands the respect of his teammates. His stint as Madhya Pradesh’s captain in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy showcased his ability to lead effectively, and those experiences played a vital role in RCB’s decision.
“We watched Rajat very closely when he captained Madhya Pradesh in SMAT and we liked the quality. He’s inherently a quiet guy but he cares about the people around him. He will instantly have the respect and care of other people. As leader those qualities are important,” RCB’s head coach added.
Another factor that influenced the franchise’s choice was Patidar’s resilience and mental toughness. Flower noted that his ability to take on challenges and fight through difficult situations is evident in his batting approach, which will be an essential quality as he navigates the highs and lows of the IPL season.
“The third thing is that he’s got a stubbornness and steel about him. You see it the way he plays, takes on the game. This quality will be very important for him when he goes through the ups and downs. Those quality are going to stand Rajat in good stead. Really look forward to watch him in action,” Flower concluded.
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Patidar’s leadership credentials and recent form
Although this will be Patidar’s first time leading an IPL team, his recent experience captaining Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket has provided him with valuable leadership exposure. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, he was the second-highest run-scorer, amassing 428 runs in nine innings at an astonishing strike rate of 186.08, with an impressive average of 61.14.
He continued his fine form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 107.10. These performances not only solidified his reputation as a top-order enforcer but also demonstrated his ability to lead from the front. His aggressive yet composed batting style aligns well with the modern demands of T20 cricket, and RCB’s management sees him as a long-term leader capable of shaping the franchise’s future. With his growing stature in the domestic circuit and his experience in high-pressure situations, Patidar now has the opportunity to showcase his leadership abilities at the highest level.
RCB’s IPL title drought and the road ahead
Despite being one of the most followed and passionately supported teams in the IPL, RCB has yet to win the coveted title. They have reached the finals three times – 2009, 2011, and 2016—but have fallen short on each occasion. The last few seasons have seen mixed performances, with RCB making the playoffs in four of the last five editions.
In IPL 2024, they staged a dramatic turnaround by winning their last six league matches to secure a playoff berth, only to be eliminated in the Eliminator. With Patidar’s appointment, RCB are making a strategic shift towards a younger leadership core, moving away from their previous reliance on international captains like Du Plessis. Whether this bold decision will finally bring RCB their maiden IPL trophy remains to be seen, but it certainly signals a fresh approach as the franchise looks to break its long-standing title drought.
