RCB have appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain for IPL 2025, despite speculation that Virat Kohli would return to the role after Faf du Plessis’ departure. This is Patidar’s first time as an IPL captain.

Patidar, 31, has played for RCB for three seasons. He has played three Tests and one one-day international for India. He also captains his state Madhya Pradesh in white-ball cricket but has not previously taken charge in the IPL.

With five weeks to go to the start of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (

Rajat Patidar was named as the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain for this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, succeeding South African Faf du Plessis in the role.

Soon after the announcement, RCB released a video of Virat Kohli congratulating Rajat Patidar and pledging his support to the 31-year-old.

Virat Kohli holds the record for leading RCB in the most IPL games. He first captained the team in 2011 in Vettori’s absence and was appointed as the full-time captain in the 2013 season.

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.

Its time for the announcement. The event has started. Rajat Patidar is the new RCB captain for IPL 2025. He gets the blue blazer and red cap as the captain of the RCB. Andy Flower, Mo Bobat and Menon on stage alongside Patidar.

RCB captain for IPL 2025: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have announced Rajat Patidar as their captain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on Thursday (February 13). The Bengaluru-based franchised released their former skipper Faf du Plessis after finishing fourth in the IPL 2024 season.