The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is poised to announce their new captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, with Rajat Patidar rumored to take over the coveted role as Virat Kohli steps back. The team is making this shift after parting ways with Faf du Plessis, who led RCB from 2022 to 2024.
Once seen as the probable leader for the upcoming season, Kohli's departure from the captaincy discussions has prompted RCB to reevaluate their strategy as they approach the upcoming IPL. Reports suggest RCB initially laid out their auction plans under the assumption Kohli would return to captaincy, yet they have since adjusted to the reality of his disinterest, according to The Times of India.
Rajat Patidar, who has been retained by the franchise for ₹11 crore, has emerged as the leading candidate for the captaincy. His impressive track record as captain of Madhya Pradesh and solid performances during the preceding domestic season have drawn attention. Patidar played a pivotal role for his team, leading them to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final.
“If I get the opportunity to lead RCB, I’ll be happy,” Patidar stated during a media interaction last December, highlighting his willingness to embrace the challenge, though he acknowledged the decision rests with the franchise.
RCB's upcoming announcement will take place on February 13, 2025. They have organized a special media gathering, inviting significant figures within the organization, including Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and mentor Dinesh Karthik, all of whom are expected to be present for the captaincy reveal.
Following RCB's strategic decisions, they opted not to retain Faf du Plessis for the new season, releasing him before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Du Plessis, who has since signed with the Delhi Capitals, had taken the reins from Kohli two years prior. Over his tenure, Kohli coached RCB from 2013 until 2021 before stepping down.
During his career as captain, Kohli helmed the side for 143 matches, notching up 66 victories against 70 losses, with a handful ending with no results. The 2016 season stands out as the most significant moment under Kohli’s leadership, guiding RCB to the finals. Notably, he is the only player to register the highest runs scored by any batter during a single IPL season, amassing 973 runs.
The current changes expose the team’s need for fresh leadership as they seek to improve their performance and finally clinch the much-coveted IPL title.
Alongside Patidar, Krunal Pandya is also being considered for the leadership role. Pandya, who joined RCB for ₹5.75 crore at the auction, brings valuable leadership experience from his captaincy of Baroda. Coined as one of the franchise's strategic focuses, Pandya's input has reportedly been influential as RCB contemplates the captaincy decision.
Meanwhile, Kohli continues to maintain peak performance levels on the field, ending IPL 2024 as the top run-scorer with 741 runs, indicative of his consistent capability as one of cricket’s elite players. Yet, the decisions surrounding captaincy reveal the franchise's complete restructuring as it looks to build momentum leading up to the new season.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the upcoming announcement, uncertain but hopeful about the new direction RCB will take with Patidar potentially at the helm. Will this change breathe new life and strategy within the squad as they head toward IPL 2025? Only time will tell as the season inches closer.