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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have unveiled Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 31-year-old batter, known for his composed yet aggressive style, was introduced as the leader during an event at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Thursday, February 13.
A fresh leadership era begins
With former skipper Faf du Plessis not retained by the franchise, RCB found themselves in search of a new leader ahead of the upcoming season. Patidar, who previously steered Madhya Pradesh to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, now becomes the eigh𓄧th cricketer to captain the Bengaluru-based team.
Rajat Patidar’s journey with RCB
Debuting in the IPL in 2021, Patidar has remained a key figure for the franchise ever since. His ability to take on both pace and spin with confidence has seen him amass 799 runs from 27 matches, maintaining a blistering strike rate of 158.85. Ahead of the mega auction, RCB chose to retain Patidar for INR 11 crore, alongside seasoned campaigner Virat Kohli and rising pacer Yash Dayal.
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New chapter in RCB’s captaincy history
Patidar’s leadership marks a new phase for RCB, who have seen Kohli and du Plessis guide the team in the past. Kohli first assumed captaincy duties in May 2011, filling in for an unavailable Daniel Vettori. He officially took over the full-time role in 2012, leading the side until stepping down 🙈in 2021.
During Kohli’s tenure, RCB reached the playoffs in 2015 and finished as runners-up in 2016, with⛎ the prolific batter smashing a record-breaking 973 runs that season. The team also secured playoff spots in 2020 and 2021. Under Du Plessis♒, RCB maintained their competitive streak, advancing to the playoffs in the 2022-24 period.
With Patidar at the helm now, RCB will look forward to a new era, aiming to secure their maid💎en IPL title undꦦer his leadership.
Here is how fans reacted:
THE JOURNEY OF RAJAT PATIDAR:
2021 – Part of RCB.
2022 – Went unsold in Auction.
2022 – Came in as a replacement midway.
2025 – Retained for 11cr.
2025 – Appointed as RCB captain.— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
Welcome to your Raj, Ra-pa. 👑
T𒊎he 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 waitinඣg for all thesℱe years. 🙌 …
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets)
RCB SPECIAL VIDEO FOR CAPTAIN RAJAT PATIDAR 👑
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Captain Rajat Patidar reporting 🙏
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial)
RAJAT PATIDAR RCB NEW CAPTAIN.
— Anand Tiwari (@anandt2011)
RAJAT PATIDAR!!!
The new RCB captain 🔥— Samar Shrivastav (@shrisamar)
CAPTAIN RAJAT PATIDAR…!!!!
– Captain Rajat Era Begins for RCB. 🌟
— Monish (@Monish09cric)
RCB NATION, WELCOME TO THE RAJAT PATIDAR ERA 🤪
— D. 🇦🇷 (@cheekurat)
Rajat Patidar is the Captain of RCB
A 𓂃Boy from Madhya Pradesh will lead one of the Most Popular Team🃏s in IPL
— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall)
🚨RAJAT PATIDAR APPOINTED AS RCB CAPTAIN!!!📢
– A New Era Begins in RCB Camp under Rajat Patidar's Capatincy🔥
— Shreyash 🇮🇳 (@Shreyash0417)
Captain Rajat Patidar era begins in IPL 2025
— Sushil yadav (@Sushily9Sky)
So finally annou💝nce Rajat patidar as a new captain of
Congrats RAJAT PATIDAR
— JACK SPARROW (@explorer_nagrik)
Rajat Patidar is the new captain of Rcb🥹❤️
— ᴠɪᴘɪɴ sᴇɴ (@VipinSen139245)
Captain Rajat Patidar Era Begins 🔥
— DheEMaD (@Shubham_B_288)