Rajat Patidar: Steering RCB into a New Era as IPL 2025 Captain

Rajat Patidar steps into the role of captain for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2025. Revered for his tactical prowess and impressive batting, Patidar aims to lead the team to its first IPL victory. His previous experience and standout performances make him a promising leader for RCB.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Patidar, who is renowned for his formidable batting skills, steps into a role steeped in legacy. His predecessors include cricket legends such as Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis. This appointment signals a new chapter for the franchise as they continue their quest for IPL triumph.

The decision to elevate Patidar underscores RCB's confidence in his leadership abilities. Known for his tactical acumen and fearless approach, Patidar is expected to guide his team effectively, solidifying his status among RCB's illustrious captains. Supporters are eager to witness how he handles this pivotal role in leading the team towards their maiden IPL title. Patidar brings with him captaincy experience from Madhya Pradesh's cricket team, having impressed with 428 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Patidar's exceptional performance against spin and his proficiency in hitting sixes have been significant elements of his gameplay. Since his emergence in 2022, he has been one of the standout talents for RCB. His IPL record includes 799 runs in 24 innings, an average of 34.73, and a strike rate of 158.84. Notably, he made history as the first uncapped player to score a century in IPL playoffs during a crucial match against LSG.

In the previous season, Patidar played a key role for RCB with 395 runs in 13 matches, fostering a resurgence that propelled the team into the playoffs. He also showcased his skills in international cricket, making notable contributions in both ODI and Test formats for India.

However, his performance in Test matches, particularly against England, fell short of expectations, as he scored only 63 runs across six innings. Despite these challenges, Patidar remains a promising leader for RCB's future pursuits in IPL.

(With inputs from agencies.)