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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Indian batter Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the IPL 2025 season. Patidar, who was retained by the franchise, has played for the red and gold for the last three seasons.
Although there were rumors of Virat Kohli being the captain of the franchise after they did not retain their former captain Faf du Plessis, who led them from 2022 to 2024.
Patidar led Madhya Pradesh in SMAT and VHT 2024-25
Patidar, who as one of the three players retained by RCB for IPL 2025, has scored 799 runs in 28 matches at a strike rate of 158.85 since joining the team in 2021. The 31-year-old batter led his state team Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy this season.
During his stint as a full-time captain, Rajat Patidar scored 428 runs in nine innings at an average of 61.14 and strike rate of 186.08 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25.
He was the second highest run-getter of the tournament as well. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 Patidar scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and strike rate of 107.10.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌
— 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
Patidar will be joining an elite group of players like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli, Kevin Pietersen, Shane Watson, Daniel Vettori and Faf du Plessis who have led the franchise in Indian Premier League so far.
Rajat has the simplicity, cares about the people around him, we have closely see how he led Madhya Pradesh, we really liked it," said Andy Flower, the head Coach of RCB.
With the news of Patidar being named the captain of RCB for IPL, only KKR and Delhi Capitals are left to announce their leader for the upcoming season, which will start on March 21.