Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced Rajat Patidar as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season on February 13, 2025. The decision, unveiled at an event attended by team management and coaching staff, marks the culmination of Patidar’s steady rise within the franchise, which began in 2021. At 31, Patidar steps into the role following the release of former captain Faf du Plessis, who led the team for three seasons. While speculation swirled around Virat Kohli’s potential return to leadership, RCB opted to entrust Patidar, emphasizing his domestic captaincy credentials and recent form.
Patidar’s journey with RCB has been a tale of resilience. Initially signed in 2021, he struggled in his debut season, scoring 71 runs in four matches before being released. However, fate intervened in 2022 when he was brought back as a mid-season replacement for the injured Luvnith Sisodia. Seizing the opportunity, Patidar delivered a career-defining performance in the IPL 2022 Eliminator, smashing an unbeaten 112 off 49 balls—a knock that not only secured RCB’s victory but also etched his name as the first uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs. This innings, matching Wriddhiman Saha’s record for the fastest playoff century, cemented his place in the team’s core.
His leadership credentials, however, were honed in domestic cricket. Leading Madhya Pradesh in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Patidar guided his team to the finals while finishing as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 428 runs at a staggering strike rate of 186.08. Though his Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) campaign saw a third-place finish, his tactical acumen and calm demeanor under pressure impressed RCB’s management. Head coach Andy Flower highlighted Patidar’s “calmness and simplicity” as pivotal traits for navigating the IPL’s high-pressure environment, while Director of Cricket Mo Bobat praised his “stubbornness and steel,” qualities evident in his aggressive batting style.
Statistically, Patidar’s IPL career reflects consistency and clutch performances. Across 27 matches, he has amassed 799 runs at an average of 34.74 and a strike rate of 158.85, with a century and seven fifties. His 2024 season was particularly impactful, yielding 395 runs at a strike rate of 177.13, underscoring his ability to accelerate innings. Retained for ₹11 crore ahead of the 2025 auction, Patidar now faces the dual challenge of maintaining his batting form while steering a team that has historically struggled to clinch the IPL title.
The decision to appoint Patidar over Virat Kohli, who led RCB from 2013 to 2021, underscores the franchise’s long-term vision. Kohli, who publicly endorsed Patidar, emphasized the latter’s growth and connection with fans, stating, “You’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans.” Patidar, in turn, acknowledged Kohli’s influence, expressing eagerness to learn from his experience. “His ideas will help me,” Patidar remarked, highlighting their past partnerships and Kohli’s role as a mentor.
RCB’s squad for 2025 blends youth and experience. While stalwarts like Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj were released, the team retained Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal, alongside new acquisitions such as England’s Liam Livingstone, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood, and seasoned Indian all-rounder Krunal Pandya. The auction strategy, which avoided high-profile captaincy candidates like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, reflects confidence in Patidar’s leadership. With a balanced roster featuring explosive batters, versatile all-rounders, and a mix of pace and spin options, RCB aims to address its historical playoff hurdles.
Patidar’s appointment also aligns with his recent national team exposure. After earning an ODI debut in December 2023 and a Test cap in January 2024, albeit with modest returns, his composure in high-stakes scenarios remains a asset. As RCB seeks its maiden IPL title, the franchise bets on Patidar’s blend of tactical nous, middle-order stability, and the quiet confidence that has defined his career thus far. The journey ahead is fraught with expectations, but for Patidar, it’s another chapter in a story of perseverance—one that began on the dusty grounds of Madhya Pradesh and now reaches the pinnacle of T20 leadership.
