Bengaluru, February 13, 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have named Rajat Patidar as their captain for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The 31-year-old dynamic batter has been a key member of the franchise since 2022.
Patidar first joined RCB in 2021 and returned in 2022 as a replacement player, making an immediate impact. In a breakout season, he amassed 333 runs at a strike rate of 152.75 in 12 appearances, including a match-winning 112* off 54 balls against Lucknow Super Giants in a high-stakes Eliminator. In 27 matches for the franchise, he has registered seven half-centuries and one swashbuckling ton.
Praising Patidar’s leadership qualities, Andy Flower, Head Coach, RCB said: “There is a calmness and simplicity in Rajat that I think will stand him in good stead as a captain, particularly in the IPL. And we watched Rajat very closely as he captained his state side, and we really liked what we saw. He cares about the people he shares a dressing room with, and I think that’s a quality that will instantly earn him the respect from his teammates, and that as a leader is an important quality to have. The bravery with which he takes on the game, I think that quality will be really important for him, for the inevitable ups and downs that come along with playing in the IPL, and now stepping up to lead a big franchise.”
Speaking about the process that was involved in selecting the captain, Mo Bobat, Director of Cricket, RCB said: “We spent quite a bit of time thinking about this decision, and there were plenty of discussions within the management, with Rajat himself, and Virat, who brings a lot of experience to the table. And we found there was compelling evidence that Rajat was a really good option. The timing is also really good as the squad is a fresh one, a new captain, and for the franchise, the start of a new chapter. Rajat’s also very brave under pressure and when the games on the line, it has typically been him throwing a few punches for us. We were really keen on an Indian option”
“I really feel good right now. If I talk about my way of captaincy, I’m not that much expressive but at the same time I’m aware of the situation of the matches. For me it’s important to back my players and stand with them and give the sort of environment where they feel relaxed and confident. I think this is a great opportunity for me to learn from one of the best in cricket that is Virat Kohli. His experience will help me in my leadership role. I’ve also had a lot of partnerships with him so I know him very well,” said Rajat Patidar, Captain, RCB.
Former Captains congratulate Rajat
Former RCB captain and legend Virat Kohli was all praise for the new captain, putting his weight behind his teammate and new skipper. He said, “Rajat, firstly I want to congratulate you, wish you all the very best. The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB all over India and they get really excited to watch you play. Myself and the other team members will be right behind you and you’ll have all our support to grow into this role. You have earned the right to be in this position, and I’m sure you will grow from strength to strength. I would request all the fans to show him absolute support, get right behind him, and know that he will always and always do what’s best for the team, what’s best for this franchise.”
“I am so happy to congratulate you for becoming the new RCB captain, and officially passing on the baton to you. It’s a great honour to captain an IPL team, but it is a special honour to be the captain of RCB as it truly has a great fan base and you’ll see the owners will be there to support you all the way. I think you have a great leadership group that’ll be there with you to support you all the way, so make sure you lean on them as they will help you when the times get tough. But more importantly, keep whacking the ball for six, I think that’s your biggest strength,” said Faf du Plessis, former RCB captain.
