Rajat Patidar RCB Captain: Well ahead of the season of IPL 2025 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has gone for the shock of handing over the reins to Rajat Patidar. After a desperate 17 years of not claiming a single trophy the RCB fans were keen to see the change in the leadership actually to taste some triumph.
But it raised these doubts: was the appointment a fait accompli, or were there more deserving inheritors in the team? And what happened to former captain Virat Kohli, why did he not return to the helm of the captaincy even with a track record of RCB captaincy?
As the flag bearer of RCB heading into #IPL2025 – Rajat is committed to taking us to newer heights!
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025
Lead us to glory, RA-PA! We’re all right behind you! ❤#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #RCBCaptain #Rajat #RajatPatidar #PatidarPattabhisheka #RaPa pic.twitter.com/9efZkW1mZn
Rajat Patidar: The Inevitable Choice?
Rajat Patidar’s emergence into the limelight of the RCB team has been meteoric. Since he arrived in 2021, the 31-year-old has turned out to be one of their go-to batsmen, amassing 799 runs from 28 games with an eye-watering strike rate of 158.85. His steady performances as a middle-order batsman, especially his ability to perform under pressure, have made him popular among the fans. His calm attitude, professionalism, and dependability under trying circumstances made him a prime candidate for the captaincy.
In a franchise such as RCB, with a large player list, the appointment of Patidar was no surprise. RCB has been going out of its way to find leadership that can serve to drive the team towards its long-anticipated IPL championship, and Patidar, with his combination of talent and maturity, appeared to be the natural choice to helm the team into IPL 2025.
Alternative Contenders For RCB Captaincy
Though Patidar was the default option for most, there were other contenders within RCB ranks as well who would have also made a case to be included as captain. Following are a couple of options:
Virat Kohli – The ex-captain, who had led RCB for some years, was a popular candidate in the leadership discussion. But Kohli had indicated in 2021 that he would be relinquishing captaincy, seeking a change of perspective.
Kohli has been an integral cog in RCB’s batting line-up and has the experience of having led the team through many challenging seasons. His captaincy was usually characterized by passion and intensity but also brought with it a great deal of heartbreaks as the team failed to bring home an IPL title. With the strong bond he has with the people who support RCB, though, his resignation kept the door ajar for fresh leadership.
Why Did Virat Kohli Break The Hope?
Despite being RCB’s most iconic player, Virat Kohli’s exit from the leadership role in 2021 left a vacuum that was filled by the franchise’s decision to look for new blood. Kohli’s reign as captain was full of ups and downs, with the team consistently falling short of winning the IPL despite his best efforts. The failure to lift the larger title, coupled with increasing pressure, could have contributed to his deciding to give up the responsibility.
In recent seasons, Kohli has paid more attention to his batting and his overall form, rather than carrying the responsibility of being the leader. His decision to relinquish the captaincy was likely driven by his belief that RCB needed a fresh perspective and someone who could take the team forward. Despite his tremendous influence in the dressing room and his unmatched commitment to RCB, Kohli’s absence from the captaincy was a necessary step to give the team a chance at success under new leadership.
Kohli On Rajat Patidar Being Captain
“Wish you all the very best. The way you’ve grown, you’ve made a place in the hearts of fans all over India. This is very well deserved. Myself and other team members will be behind you. It is a big responsibility. To be seen who will take the franchise forward is a big honour for you. I am sure you will grow strength to strength.
He’s evolved, his game has improved many levels. He has led the state team. He has shown what it takes to lead the franchise. I request fans to show him support, and know he will do what is best for the team. Regardless of what happens, what is most important is the team and the franchise. Sending my best wishes to the team, franchise and look forward to working everyone” – Kohli said.
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
What Does Rajat Patidar’s Appointment Mean For RCB?
With Rajat Patidar in charge now, RCB supporters can look forward to a new era. Patidar has already established himself on the field and can lead the team with calmness and consistency. Under his leadership, the team will seek to build a more balanced and concentrated style, one that combines veteran players such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kohli.
Patidar’s captaincy may provide the stability and strategy RCB needs to finally win that coveted IPL title. RCB’s march to fame may only just be beginning with Patidar, who, though lacks leadership experience compared to others, has the team and fans’ support behind him.
Also Read: Rajat Patidar Net Worth: How Much Does The New RCB Skipper Earn Through IPL & More?
