Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to unveil its new captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on Thursday, February 13. The eagerly awaited announcement will be broadcast live on television, ensuring that fans across the country can tune in to witness this significant moment in the franchise’s history. The decision to appoint a new leader comes after the team parted ways with their previous captain, Faf du Plessis, who had been at the helm for three seasons.
After Virat Kohli stepped down from captaincy following the 2021 edition of the tournament, RCB placed their trust in Faf du Plessis, who was roped in during the 2022 mega auction for ₹7 crore. Under his leadership, RCB played 42 matches, winning and losing an equal number of 21 games. While he provided stability and experience, the team fell short of lifting the coveted IPL trophy, continuing their long-standing quest for their first-ever title. Ahead of the 2025 season, the franchise opted for a change, choosing to move forward with a new leader who will take on the challenge of leading the team to glory.
Among the leading contenders for the role is none other than Virat Kohli, the most experienced player in the squad and the face of RCB for over a decade. Having taken over the captaincy from Daniel Vettori in 2013, Kohli led the team for nine seasons, during which RCB played 143 matches, winning 66 and losing 70. While the team never managed to win the IPL under his leadership, Kohli himself thrived as a batsman, amassing 4,994 runs, including five centuries and 37 fifties. His passion for the franchise, coupled with his aggressive and determined approach, makes him a strong candidate for the role. However, there remains uncertainty over whether Kohli is willing to take up the responsibility again after stepping away from the captaincy to focus on his batting.
Another promising candidate emerging in the discussion is Rajat Patidar. Known for his solid performances with the bat, Patidar has also gained valuable leadership experience in domestic cricket. He recently captained Madhya Pradesh to the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy in 2024, where his team finished as runners-up. His batting form was exceptional, scoring 428 runs in 10 matches at an average of 61.14, boasting an impressive strike rate of 186.08. In the final, he played a stellar knock of 81 not out off 40 balls, showcasing his ability to handle pressure situations with ease. For RCB, Patidar has already proved his mettle, scoring 799 runs in 27 matches, with his standout performance being an unbeaten 112 against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 Eliminator.
Despite the buzz surrounding Kohli and Patidar, another name being considered for the captaincy is Krunal Pandya. An experienced all-rounder, Krunal has led teams in domestic competitions and possesses the ability to contribute both with the bat and ball. His leadership skills, coupled with his experience in high-pressure games, make him an intriguing option for RCB.
RCB had a roller-coaster campaign in the last IPL season, where they displayed remarkable resilience by securing a seven-match winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs. However, their journey ended in heartbreak as they were defeated by Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. The franchise has been part of the IPL since its inception in 2008 but is yet to lay hands on the coveted trophy. Over the years, they have come agonizingly close, with memorable runs to the final in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but each time, the ultimate prize remained elusive.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, RCB fans are eagerly waiting to see who will take up the mantle of captaincy. The
