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,

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.

RCB have appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain for IPL 2025, despite speculation that Virat Kohli would return to the role after Faf du Plessis’ departure. This is Patidar’s first time as an IPL captain.

With five weeks to go to the start of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (

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.

Virat Kohli holds the record for leading RCB in the most IPL games. He first captained the team in 2011 in Vettori’s absence and was appointed as the full-time captain in the 2013 season.

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

Rajat Patidar steps into the role of captain for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2025. Revered for his tactical prowess and impressive batting, Patidar aims to lead the team to its first IPL victory.

RCB captain for IPL 2025: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have announced Rajat Patidar as their captain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on Thursday (February 13). The Bengaluru-based franchised released their former skipper Faf du Plessis after finishing fourth in the IPL 2024 season.