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PremiumRCB Captain Announcement LIVE IPL 2025: IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday named Rajat Patidar as its captain for the upcoming season starting March 21. Patidar was among RCB's retained players before last year's mega auction and has the experience of leading Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI).
The 31-year-old, who signed up with the franchise in 2022, guided Madhya Pradesh to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final where they lost to Mumbai by five wickets last year. The right-hander was also the second highest run-getter in the premier domestic T20 tournament, behind Ajinkya Rahane, scoring 428 from 10 matches at an average of 61 and a strike-rate of 186.08.
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.
Last year I spoke to Mo and he asked if I wanted to captain RCB. I told him that I would prefer leading the state team first. When I found out that there is a discussion between me and Virat for the captaincy, I was pleased that what I was doing was working. I can't quite explain that feeling.
I really feel good right now. If I talk about my way of captaincy, I'm not very expressive, but it's important I back my players and stand with them. So they feel relaxed and competitive. It's good to have this group of leaders who can help me with growing personally as well. It's a great opportunity to learn from one of the best in cricket. (Virat's) experience and ideas will definitely help with this leadership role.
We felt strongly an Indian captain was preferable. We spoke glowingly about Faf, but primarily because it's an Indian competition on Indian pitches. Someone with the local expertise was important. We know the fans would have leaned towards Virat, but he doesn't need a title to lead. Leadership is one of his strongest assets. He sets the tone with his energy. Faf leaned on him, Andy and I lean on him, and I'm sure Rajat will too. He had a lot of energy and excitement for this decision, he was pleased for Rajat. It's brilliant to know he's right behind it.
Rajat was quite keen to take on captaincy, he proactively spoke to his state about taking on captaincy. Planting those seeds was important for when we ended up. The difficult decision was about Faf. He was a champion as a player and a leader. Given his age, we had to think about someone who could take us through this auction cycle. Certainly wasn't easy. We didn't want to go out and get a captain, we wanted a number of leadership options. You've got Krunal, Bhuvi, Jitesh with experience, even with Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone. We had quite a few options, spent some time discussing with DK, even speaking with Virat. (Rajat) was very determined and ambitious about captaincy, and that was important.
Rajat has a calm and simple demeanor, it will serve him really well in the hurly-burly of the tournament. We watched Rajat closely as he captained Madhya Pradesh, we really liked what we saw. The second thing I will say, he cares about the people around him, who he shares a dressing room with. He will instantly have respect from other people. Third, he's got a stubbornness, a strength and steeliness. You see it in the way he plays, the bravery he takes on in the game. That will be important in the inevitable ups-and-downs.
I'm officially passing over the baton. It's really special being a captain of RCB. Have a great time as captain, make sure you lean on the leadership. Most importantly, keep whacking those sixes.
Firstly, I want to congratulate you and wish you all the best. You ave really made a place in the hearts of all the RCB fans throughout the years. This is very well deserved. Myself and the other team members will be there always to support you. Its a huge honour for you. I am very happy for you. He's evolved, his game has improved many levels. He has led the state team. He has shown what it takes to lead the franchise. I request fans to show him support, and know he will do what is best for the team. Regardless of what happens, what is most important is the team and the franchise. Sending my best wishes to the team, franchise and look forward to working everyone.
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.
Rajat Patidar was told last year to 'be ready' for RCB captaincy. Interestingly, Patidar is looked as idol in domestic circles.
For the unknown. Rajat Patidar has led Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final before losing to Mumbai.
There is a lot of buzz around the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. As said in broadcast, there are a couple cricketers who will be in attendance.
7 players have led RCB so far. Rahul Dravid, Daniel Vettori, Shane Watson, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson and Anil Kumble.
RCB has played finals three times in IPL - 2009, 2011, 2016.
It's time for the big reveal as we are just few minutes away from the announcement. Stay tuned.
If Krunal Pandya is chosen as captain, RCB will surely keep the all-rounder in the leadership group. Under Krunal, Baroda played the semifinal of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament this season.
One thing that RCB will be looking at while appointing their new captain is the future, something CSK did while naming Ruturaj Gaikwad as their captain in IPL 2024.
The RCB captain announcement for IPL 2025 will be live streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi.
It is unlikely that Virat Kohli will don the captain's hat this time. The star batter, along with the other members of the Indian team has left for Mumbai from Ahmedabad yesterday after India's 3-0 series win.
We are just less than 30 minutes away from the big reveal. Another name that could crop up is Phil Salt. He has led England on a few times in the absence of Jos Buttler.
RCB batting coach and mentor speaks about their new captain.
According to TOI report, RCB management highly rates Krunal Pandya's captaincy acumen. It looks like RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik is likely to play a big role in solving the captaincy puzzle.
Virat Kohli's only highlight as RCB captain came in 2016 when the franchise played in the final against SRH. RCB lost in that game. Virat Kohli led RCB in 143 matches and won 68 games while losing 70. 4 games ended in no result. Kohli's stint as RCB captain is also the second-highest after legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings.
Virat Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021 before stepping down as Faf du Plessis took over. The South African led the franchise from 2022 to 2024 before being released. The 40-year-old Du Plessis will play for Delhi Capitals this season.
During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Rajat Patidar was asked about RCB captaincy last year in December. “Of course, if I get an opportunity to lead RCB, that is what I am there for, and I will be happy. But it all depends on the franchise," Patidar said.
RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat and head coach Andy Flower along with other representatives of the franchise. It has also been learnt from sources that Rajat Patidar has ready reached Bengaluru on Wednesday.
According to a TOI report, Virat Kohli is unlikely to take up captaincy. The report states that the RCB management had a word with Kohli on taking up the captaincy and their entire plan in the auction revolved around the star batter. Now that Kohli doesn't want to take up the captaincy role, they may now have to look for someone within the group.
Apart from Virat Kohli, only two players have led their sides for an extensive period - Rajat Patidar for Madhya Pradesh and Krunal Pandya for Baroda. However, it is to be noted that Pandya has experience of leading a team in IPL, when he captained LSG on few occasions in the previous years in the absence of KL Rahul.
Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.
RCB had retained three players in Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal for the IPL 2025 season. They bought as many as 19 players in the auction, but without anyone who had led at the top level before.
There are speculations that Virat Kohli might return to RCB helm. He had led RCB before from 2013 to 2021.
RCB have let go their captain Faf du Plessis. However, they also didn't buy any captaincy options in the IPL 2025 auction.
Hello and welcome to the live captain announcement by RCB for the IPL 2025.
