Rajat Patidar was named as the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain for this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, succeeding South African Faf du Plessis in the role. Speculation was rife that former India captain Virat Kohli would return as the captain of the side he led from 2013-21 before du Plessis took over.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced the Indian batter Rajat Patidar as their new captain ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 2025.

Rajat Patidar has been appointed captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025, which begins on March 21. The development was contrary to wide expectation that Virat Kohli would lead RCB again after they did not retain Faf du Plessis,

Will Virat Kohli replace Faf du Plessis as Royal Challengers Bengaluru's captain? or Will it be Rajat Patidar? | Crickit

Virat Kohli congratulated Rajat Patidar on being named RCB's new captain ahead of IPL 2025, assuring Patidar of full team support and urged fans to rally behind him for the upcoming season.

RCB Captain Announcement IPL 2025 Live Updates - Virat Kohli - Rajat Patidar - Krunal Pandya - Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain - IPL 2025: Ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in November 2024, RCB retained Rajat Patidar for ₹11 crore,

Patidar takes over from Faf du Plessis who led the team between 2022-24. Under du Plessis, the team made it to the IPL Playoffs two times.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has named Rajat Patidar as their captain for the upcoming IPL season, succeeding Faf du Plessis. Patidar's leadership experience and impressive performance in domestic cricket have earned him the role.

Virat Kohli - Rajat Patidar - Krunal Pandya - Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain - IPL 2025: Ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in November 2024, RCB retained Rajat Patidar for ₹11 crore, along with former captain Virat Kohli (₹21 crore) and Yash Dayal (₹5 crore).

Besides Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya were also strong contenders for the captaincy, given their leadership experience. Patidar has captained Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy,