Middle-order batter Rajat Patidar has been named the new captain for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 edition. The 31-year-old takes over from Faf du Plessis, last season's skipper for the side who was released ahead of the mega auction. (More Cricket News)
While India and RCB veteran Virat Kohliꦫ was being considered a prime contender for the captaincy role, eventually the franchise took a long-term call and Patidar was chosen. The Indore-born cricketer was among RCB's retained players before the mega auction and has the experience of leading Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (ODI).
Patidar, who signed up with RCB♔ 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.
🅘Kohli, the RCB captain from 2013 to 2021 and possessing the second longest stint as captain after the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings, congratulated Patidar on the appointment. "Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat," Kohli said in a video statement shared by the franchise.
♔"The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you've made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved," he added.
ꦫ "Rajat has the simplicity, (he) cares about the people around him, we have closely seen how he has led Madhya Pradesh, we really liked it," RCB chief coach Andy Flower said at the franchise event to announce Patidar's elevation.
(With PTI inputs)
