Rajat Patidar has been appointed captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025, which begins on March 21. The development was contrary to wide speculation that Virat Kohli would lead RCB again after they did not retain Faf du Plessis,

Patidar, 31, has played for RCB for three seasons. He has played three Tests and one one-day international for India. He also captains his state Madhya Pradesh in white-ball cricket but has not previously taken charge in the IPL.

Rajat Patidar was named as the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain for this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, succeeding South African Faf du Plessis in the role.

Soon after the announcement, RCB released a video of Virat Kohli congratulating Rajat Patidar and pledging his support to the 31-year-old.

Mo Bobat has confirmed that despite Rajat Patidar's appointment as captain, Virat Kohli will maintain a significant leadership role within the team.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Meanwhile, the strategic decision has received strong backing from RCB's head coach, Andy Flower.

Thursday marked the start of a new era for RCB as the 31-year-old Patidar, who has played a crucial role in his franchises and state Madhya Pradeshs success over the years, was chosen as the new skipper of the Red and Gold franchise ahead of the 2025 season.

RCB chose Rajat Patidar to be their captain for IPL 2025 and beyond, ending all speculations about Virat Kohli would return to that role.