IPL 2025: Not Virat Kohli; Rajat Patidar takes the helm as RCB's new captain, replacing Faf du Plessis
Besides Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya were also strong contenders for the captaincy, given their leadership experience. Patidar has captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, while Krunal has led Baroda as their skipper.
After all the build-up and anticipation, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally announced their captain for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and it's Rajat Patidar. While many hoped for Virat Kohli to reclaim the captaincy, RCB's COO Rajesh Menon addressed the decision, stating, "Who is our next captain? It is a critical decision for RCB. We have had legends. This decision is not easy at all. It was deliberated internally and externally. We feel the decision is good for the franchise over the next couple of years."
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¡ª Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
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Rajat Patidar officially took the helm as RCB's captain, donning the iconic blue blazer and red cap. He was joined on stage by coach Andy Flower, Mo Bobat, and Rajesh Menon during the announcement.
Besides Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya were also strong contenders for the captaincy, given their leadership experience. Patidar has captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, while Krunal has led Baroda as their skipper.
Virat Kohli's words of appreciation
Kohli, through a video said, "Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat. 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".
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¡ª Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
¡°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
RCB captains over the years
Seven players have captained RCB over the years: Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Daniel Vettori, Shane Watson, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Anil Kumble.
Welcome to your Raj, Ra-pa. ?
¡ª Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
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 #????RCB #RCBCaptain #Rajat #RajatPatidar¡ pic.twitter.com/AKwjM9bnsq
Kohli served as RCB's captain from 2013 to 2021 before stepping down from leadership roles for both the franchise and the national team. In 2016, Virat Kohli led the franchise to the IPL final and scored a record-breaking 973 runs¡ªthe highest ever by a batter in a single IPL season.
Following Kohli, South Africa's Faf du Plessis took over as captain, leading the team from 2022 to 2024. However, ahead of this season, RCB released the 40-year-old, who was later picked up by the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the auction.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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