IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar named RCB captain as Virat Kohli declines

IPL 2025- Rajat Patidar named RCB captain as Virat Kohli declines (Source: Twitter/X)

One of the most popular franchises Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced the rising India batter Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) season. Notably, the Bangalore-based franchise revealed its major decision on Thursday, February 13, after Virat Kohli was deemed to take over the reins once again.

However, Kohli was not interested in leading the side once again after the former skipper Faf du Plessis was not retained during the IPL mega auctions. RCB held a press conference to end all the speculations around the new in charge of the side. For the uninitiated, Kohli had led Bangalore between 2013 and 2021, respectively.

During his long tenure with the franchise as captain. even though RCB failed to win an IPL title, the year 2016 turned out to be one of the best years for Virat Kohli as he led the franchise to the final. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) denied them to realise their dream of IPL glory.

Meanwhile, speaking of Rajat Patidar, the youngster has gained some valuable leadership experience by captaining Madhya Pradesh (MP) in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy aka SMAT. Patidar led MP to the final of the premier domestic T20 cricket competition. Moreover, he also led the side in the coveted Vijay Hazare Trophy as well. Hence, after Kohli, he was deemed fit to take the mantle from du Plessis as RCB did not pick any player in specific who possesses leadership qualities.

Check out RCB’s new captain announcement post here:

The next captain of RCB is…

Many greats of the game have carved a rich captaincy heritage for RCB, and it’s now time for this focused, fearless and fierce competitor to lead us to glory! This calmness under pressure and ability to take on challenges, as he’s shown us in the… pic.twitter.com/rPY2AdG1p5

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 13, 2025

Full RCB squad for IPL 2025:

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, 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.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

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