Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Rajat Patidar replaces Faf du Plessis, released before the IPL 2025 auction. While many speculated that Virat Kohli might reclaim the leadership role, he has chosen to remain away from captaincy. Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021, with his best season coming in IPL 2016 when they finished as runners-up to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Patidar’s appointment was confirmed in February after Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained him as one of their three core players ahead of the auction. However, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has cautioned Patidar about the immense pressure of leading an IPL franchise, especially one that has yet to win a title.
Everything Revolves Around Virat Kohli There- Harbhajan on RCB Leadership
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Harbhajan highlighted the difficulties Rajat Patidar will face in his debut captaincy role:
“For someone like Patidar, it will be a huge challenge. To captain a big team like that, it’s not going to be easy to take decisions. Who will play, who will bowl at what point… he hasn’t led a side before. People think leading India is the most difficult thing, but I think it’s even tougher leading a franchise, because I have done it,” Harbhajan said.
He also added,
“Patidar has the pressure of expectations because they haven’t won a single season. You have to live up to it, and play your own game, too. Everything revolves around Virat Kohli there. He also has to ensure that he has a good season. RCB have appointed Patidar for five seasons, but if this one doesn’t go well, we will see where he will stand,”
Rajat Patidar’s IPL Journey and RCB’s Season Opener
Rajat Patidar, has been part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru since 2021 and had a strong IPL 2024 campaign, scoring 395 runs at a strike rate of 177.13 in 15 matches. Rajat Patidar must balance team decisions while maintaining his own performance as he takes on the responsibility of leading the franchise.
RCB will face off their IPL 2025 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Garden. Interestingly, both teams will have new captains, as Ajinkya Rahane – one of KKR’s key acquisitions in the 2025 auction and Rajat Patidar from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
In the IPL 2025 season, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar and his ability to handle the pressures of leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru while adding another exciting dynamic to the tournament when Ajinkya Rahane takes charge of Kolkata Knight Riders. Who will rise to the challenge and meet expectations—Rahane or Patidar?