The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to announce their new captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season on Thursday, February 13, at 11:30 AM IST. The announcement follows the release of former captain Faf du Plessis and has created buzz among fans about who will take the reins moving forward.
RCB, one of the most renowned franchises in IPL history, has yet to secure the championship trophy since the league's inception. Despite this, the team remains popular, largely due to its roster, featuring star player Virat Kohli, who captained RCB from 2013 until 2021.
During Kohli’s leadership, the franchise had notable performances, including reaching the final in 2016, where they fell short to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Under his tenure, he participated as captain in 143 matches, leading the team to 68 victories, with the overall record standing at 68 wins, 70 losses, and four no-results. He also scored 4,994 runs during this period, showcasing his significance as both captain and player.
With the departure of du Plessis, who led RCB for three seasons but was not able to deliver the coveted trophy, speculation is rampant over whether Kohli will reclaim the captaincy. His experience and leadership skills have made him the frontrunner for the role; he previously captained the team effectively, earning respect and admiration from teammates and fans alike.
Yet, the franchise could also opt for innovation by considering Rajat Patidar for the position. Patidar, who has been with RCB since 2021 and was retained for the upcoming season, recently captained the Madhya Pradesh team, impressively leading them to the finals of both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His recent captaincy experience and youthful vigor make him a strong contender, possibly hinting at RCB’s intention to groom new talent for future leadership.
Notably, du Plessis' release was seen as strategic, considering his age. The 40-year-old had maintained solid performance levels but transitioning toward younger leadership aligns with what many franchises are now striving for—a blend of experience and youthful energy.
The announcement will take place at 11:30 AM IST, broadcasted live on Star Sports Network, and is set to involve RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, alongside head coach, Andy Flower. Fans are eagerly awaiting the reveal with excitement and anxiety, hoping for confirmation of Kohli’s return. The sense of familiarity and confidence associated with Kohli possibly stepping back up to the leadership role—an arena he's navigated for long—is amplified by his extraordinary history with the team.
Looking back, Kohli's retirement from captaincy was marked by his desire to create space for different strategic approaches. "I’m not someone who holds onto things more than I should...if I’m not going to enjoy the process, I’m not going to do it," he articulated during previous interviews, indicating his thoughtful approach to leadership and workload management.
If Kohli were to lead again, it could invigorate the fan base and refocus the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season. On the other hand, should RCB opt for Patidar, it could signify their commitment to forging younger leaders capable of carrying the franchise forward, one stepping stone at a time.
RCB has also set aside time for discussions around the supporting team structure as they prepare for the upcoming IPL 2025. Speculation extends to other potential players with captaincy experience, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, as possible options, enriching the conversation surrounding leadership and team dynamics.
While the organization's captaincy decisions remain under wraps, it's clear the upcoming announcement holds significant importance for RCB fans eager for change after years of being just short of glory. Regardless of who is announced as captain, the move symbolizes RCB's bid to realign its strategies and aspirations, hoping to end the title drought.
The franchise has set ambitious goals and made several strategic bids during the last auction, acquiring some notable names to bolster their roster alongside their anticipated leader. With anticipation reaching fever pitch leading up to the announcement, both Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar’s potential roles as captain could set the tone for how RCB approaches the new season.