The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to commence with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicking off their campaign against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22. This season marks a significant shift for the RCB franchise as they embrace new leadership with Rajat Patidar taking the helm as captain, succeeding Faf du Plessis, who has departed to join the Delhi Capitals.
Rajat Patidar, who has been part of RCB since 2021, ascends to captaincy as the eighth skipper in the team’s history. His leadership role comes with substantial expectations, particularly from his peers. Both RCB stalwart Virat Kohli and former player Robin Uthappa have expressed their confidence in Patidar’s abilities to steer the team forward in the competitive landscape of the IPL.
“He [Patidar] is an amazing talent,” Kohli remarked, praising the new captain at the RCB Unbox event. “He has got a great head on his shoulders, and he will do a great job for this amazing franchise and take the team forward.” Kohli, a legendary figure in IPL history, emphasized that Patidar possesses all that is necessary for success.
Meanwhile, Robin Uthappa provided his insights on the leadership dynamics within the IPL, particularly comparing Patidar to his counterpart at Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel. Uthappa noted that while both captains are inexperienced, he believes Patel might have a slight edge in performance but suggests Patidar could thrive under the guidance of Kohli’s leadership qualities.
In preparation for the 2025 season, RCB has implemented significant changes to its lineup. The franchise has retained only three players prior to the auction: Rajat Patidar, veteran batsman Virat Kohli, and young fast bowler Yash Dayal. This indicates a new strategic direction aimed at rejuvenating the squad following previous seasons marked by underperformance.
As part of these adjustments, RCB has added players like Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, further diversifying its roster. This shift has caught the attention of cricket analysts and former players, including 2007 World Cup-winning captain Michael Clarke, who praised the franchise for moving away from a reliance on star power. “This RCB team is different. It is about how you gel as a team,” Clarke stated during an appearance on Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast, referring to the traditional approach of depending heavily on players like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.
RCB's lineup for the upcoming season also features a mix of experienced and youthful talent, hoping to blend the right qualities for a successful run. The squad includes established players such as Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj alongside emerging talents, fostering a mix that could yield positive results. “Legends like Virat bhai, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle have played for RCB. From the start, I have loved the franchise a lot,” Patidar expressed, showing his enthusiasm for leading a team with such a rich cricketing history.
Starting with a home match on April 2 against Gujarat Titans, RCB’s schedule shows they will play a total of 14 league matches. Among these, they will clash with Chennai Super Kings twice—in Chennai on March 28 and again in Bengaluru on May 3—and face their rivals Delhi Capitals on April 10 and April 27.
With the league structure allowing for seven matches to be played at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the team expects a strong home advantage. The final showdown against Kolkata Knight Riders is set for May 17, which may be pivotal to their potential playoff aspirations.
While the franchise aims to capture its maiden IPL title, the supporters remain both hopeful and fervently engaged. RCB fans, known for their unwavering loyalty, are eager to see if this new-look team, under Patidar’s stewardship, can finally break the championship drought.
As RCB prepares for the challenges of IPL 2025, the franchise appears determined to establish a fresh identity and carve out a path that builds community among its players and fans alike. Given the changes that have taken place this season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this adaptation translates into success on the pitch.
This excitement is palpable as the start of the tournament draws near, with RCB seeking to turn the page on previous disappointments and make a mark in the upcoming IPL season.
