Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have embraced a bold new direction by appointing Rajat Patidar as their captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League season. The 31-year-old middle-order batter steps into the role after Faf du Plessis’ departure, becoming the franchise’s eighth captain and symbolizing a strategic shift toward nurturing Indian leadership. Patidar’s journey from a replacement player in 2022 to the helm of one of IPL’s most high-profile teams underscores his rapid rise and RCB’s faith in homegrown talent.
A Calculated Leadership Shift
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RCB’s decision to appoint Rajat Patidar followed extensive deliberations, with Virat Kohli—RCB’s most iconic figure—opting to focus on his batting rather than reclaiming the captaincy. Team director Mo Bobat and head coach Andy Flower emphasized Patidar’s “calmness and simplicity” as traits critical for navigating the IPL’s pressures. This marked a departure from RCB’s historical preference for star-studded overseas captains, aligning instead with a broader league trend of prioritizing local leaders with deep understanding of Indian conditions.
Patidar’s domestic credentials bolstered his case. As captain of Madhya Pradesh, he led his state team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in 2024, amassing 428 runs at a strike rate of 186.08—a performance that showcased his tactical acumen and ability to thrive under pressure. His leadership style, described as “unexpressive yet situationally aware,” prioritizes player confidence and collective decision-making, a philosophy he aims to replicate at RCB.
From Replacement Player to Franchise Cornerstone
Patidar’s RCB journey began unassumingly in 2022 when he replaced the injured Luvnith Sisodia. His breakout moment arrived that same season with a match-winning 112* off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator—a knock that remains the highest score by an uncapped player in IPL playoffs. Over three seasons, he has compiled 799 runs in 28 matches at a strike rate of 158.85, emerging as a linchpin in RCB’s middle order.
Retained for ₹11 crore ahead of the 2025 mega auction, Patidar now shoulders the dual burden of anchoring the batting and steering a squad blending Virat Kohli’s experience with emerging talents like Yash Dayal and Devdutt Padikkal. His ability to dominate spin and pace alike makes him indispensable, particularly on Bengaluru’s batting-friendly pitches.
Squad Dynamics and Early Challenges
RCB’s revamped squad features strategic acquisitions like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Liam Livingstone, addressing historical bowling frailties at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, Patidar’s leadership met immediate turbulence: a heavy defeat to Delhi Capitals in April 2025 saw him publicly chastise the batting unit for “unacceptable” shot selection, highlighting his no-nonsense approach.
Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has warned that Patidar’s captaincy future hinges on RCB’s 2025 performance, emphasizing the unique pressures of leading a franchise where “managing superstars like Kohli is as critical as tactical decisions”. The season opener against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders amplified these stakes, testing Patidar’s ability to unite a diverse squad under intense scrutiny.
The Road Ahead
Patidar’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, leveraging inputs from seasoned figures like Kohli and batting coach Dinesh Karthik. His emphasis on “backing players while maintaining accountability” reflects lessons from Madhya Pradesh’s domestic campaigns, where he balanced aggression with stability.
As RCB chase their maiden IPL title, Patidar embodies both continuity and change. While his technical prowess and calm demeanor offer hope, the franchise’s legacy of near-misses—and a fanbase yearning for silverware—adds layers of complexity. With the season underway, Patidar’s true test lies not just in tactical nous but in galvanizing a squad where individual brilliance must coalesce into collective triumph.
For RCB, 2025 represents more than another campaign—it’s a referendum on their new era. Under Patidar’s stewardship, the franchise seeks to rewrite its narrative, proving that patience and process can ultimately conquer the IPL’s elusive pinnacle.
