Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the most successful of the most glamorous teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having passionate fans and glamorous players. It was established in 2008 and has had three appearances at the final match of the IPL but never emerged with the cup. The title famine aside, RCB has produced historic matches, such as record-breaking performances with the bat.

• Team Name: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
• Founded: 2008
• City: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Home Ground: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
• Capacity: 35,000
• Owner: United Spirits
• Team Colors: Red and Gold

IPL 2025 SCHEDULE:

• 22nd March: vs KKR in Kolkata (Saturday, Match 1)
• 28th March: vs CSK in Chennai (Friday, Match 8)
• 2nd April: vs GT in Bengaluru (Wednesday, Match 14)
• 7th April: vs MI in Mumbai (Monday, Match 21)
• 10th April: vs DC in Bengaluru (Thursday, Match 24)
• 13th April: vs RR in Jaipur (Sunday, Match 28)
• 18th April: vs PBKS in Bengaluru (Friday, Match 34)
• 20th April: vs PBKS in Mullanpur (Sunday, Match 37)
• 24th April: vs RR in Bengaluru (Thursday, Match 42)
• 27th April: vs DC in Delhi (Sunday, Match 44)
• 3rd May: vs CSK in Bengaluru (Saturday, Match 52)
• 9th May: vs LSG in Lucknow (Friday, Match 59)
• 13th May: vs SRH in Bengaluru (Tuesday, Match 64)
• 17th May: vs KKR in Bengaluru (Saturday, Match 68)

RCB SCHEDULE IN IPL 2025: 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qUFMmS3o4s

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 16, 2025

ALSO READ:IPL 2025  full schedule date time venues and complete details

Highlights of 2024:

Rajat Patidar is all set to start a new journey as the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. He sees this as a great chance to learn from Virat Kohli. After being named captain, Patidar spoke about how valuable Kohli’s experience and advice will be for him. He feels lucky to have such a mentor and believes Kohli’s guidance will help him grow as a great Captain. Talking about his captaincy style, Patidar said he will follow his own instincts and lead in his own way. He is excited about the challenge and looks forward to making a positive impact as RCB’s new captain.

🚨 CAPTAIN RAJAT PATIDAR 🚨

- Rajat Patidar talking about becoming RCB's Captain, playing with Virat Kohli & more. 🌟

pic.twitter.com/iVjdyxDgAk

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 13, 2025

Rajat Patidar doesn't have more experience in the Captaincy and now RCB appointed as a RCB captain. He has previously led Madhya Pradesh in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In 2023, he captained his state team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, where they finished as runners-up to Mumbai. 

Captain Kohli message to Rajat Patidar - New RCB captain!

pic.twitter.com/w6zbB0rbqu

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) February 13, 2025

Patidar also had a brilliant tournament with the bat, scoring 428 runs in 10 matches at an average of 61 and an incredible strike rate of 186.08, making him the second-highest run-scorer. Since joining RCB in 2021, Patidar has played 27 IPL matches, scoring 799 runs at a strike rate of nearly 159.

ALSO READ: WPL Live Streaming&: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV

Talking about Virat Kohli’s Captaincy, he led RCB in 143 matches, making him the second longest serving captain in IPL history after MS Dhoni’s tenure with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Under Kohli’s leadership, RCB won 68 matches, lost 70, and had four games end without a result. His most memorable season as captain was in 2016 when he led RCB to the IPL final while also smashing a record 973 runs in a single season an achievement that remains unmatched in IPL history.

Rajat Patidar has been named as the new captain for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming IPL season, IPL 2025.

On Thursday afternoon (February 13), RCB officially announced their new IPL captain, Rajat Patidar. He became the eighth RCB captain out of which he is the fourth Indian. He is the new name of the IPL captain as the 31-year-old has no previous IPL captaincy record. As he was a very dependable batter for the RCB, especially in the last season, the franchise has felt that he would be the perfect choice for the leadership role. 

In 27 IPL matches only playing for the RCB, Patidar scored 799 runs with an average of 34.73 and a strike rate of 158.84. He has recorded one century and seven half-centuries in the tournament history. During the IPL 2022, when RCB faced Lucknow Super Giants, Patidar recorded his first IPL century by scoring 112 not out in 54 balls, which was his second 50+ score in IPL.

In the IPL 2024, Patidar finished as the third-most run-scorer for RCB with 395 runs in 13 innings with an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 177.13. The right-handed batter hit five half-centuries in that season.

Watch Now: RCB’s Special Tribute Video for Captain Rajat Patidar!

Rajat Patidar-led Madhya Pradesh were runners-up in the latest SMAT edition

Although Patidar is the new name as an IPL captain, he has useful leadership experience as a T20 captain. He has led his domestic T20 team Madhya Pradesh in the 2018-19, 2019-20 (only one match), and most recently 2024-25 seasons. Under his leadership, Madhya Pradesh finished as the runners-up in the latest edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (2024-25).

Rajat Patidar captaincy record

Patidar has experienced 16 matches as a T20 captain, where his team won 12 matches and lost four others. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25, while his team finished as the runners-up, he scored 428 runs in 10 nine innings (average 61.14 and strike rate 186.08), including five half-centuries, and recorded the second most runs by a captain in a SMAT season history. 

Rajat Patidar as a T20 captain

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Rajat Patidar as the new captain for the IPL 2025 . Virat Kohli, the former captain and iconic figure of RCB, congratulated Patidar on his appointment, adding that he has earned the captaincy of the team.

Virat Kohil congratulated Patidar :

The Kohil stated that Patidar has earned the right to lead the team. He said that taking the franchise forward is a great honor and backed Patidar to grow stronger in his leadership journey. Kohli also praised Patidar’s evolution as a player over the past two years.

VIRAT KOHLI CONGRATULATING RAJAT PATIDAR ON RCB CAPTAINCY.

- What a beautiful video! ❤️pic.twitter.com/mSQcqdXjYa

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 13, 2025

Virat Message to Patidar as a new captain :

ALSO SEE :  Watch Now: RCB’s Special Tribute Video for Captain Rajat Patidar!

"Rajat, firstly, I want to congratulate you, wish you all the very best, and to tell you that the way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB all over India, and they get really excited to watch you play. So, this is very well deserved. And I want to tell you that myself and the other team members will be right behind you, and you'll have all our support to grow into this role. Of course, it's a big responsibility. I've done this for many years and Faf's done it for the last few years and to be seen as the guy who will take this franchise forward. I'm sure it's a huge honour for you, and I'm very, very happy for you. You have earned the right to be in this position, and I'm sure you will grow from strength to strength. I've seen Rajat evolve in the last couple of years as a player. He's got the chance to play for India. His game has improved many levels in the last couple of years. The way he has led his state team as well, and the responsibility that he's taken, and he's shown everyone that he has what it takes to lead this amazing franchise. I just wish him all the very best, and I would request all the fans to show him absolute support, get right behind him, and know that he will always and always do what's best for the team, what's best for this franchise, and we must all get together and support him because. Regardless of what happens, who does what, the most important thing is the team and the most important thing is the franchise, and we all have a responsibility to work towards the growth of this amazing team and this amazing franchise. Sending my best wishes to him and sending all the fans lots of love and looking forward to seeing you all soon and looking forward to have Rajat start off the season," said Kohli.

Rajat Patidar has been appointed captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2025, which begins on March 21. The announcement was widely expected that it would be Virat Kohli who leads RCB once again.

Patidar Captain Experence :

Patidar, 31, was one of three players RCB retained ahead of the mega auction in November. While this will be his first captaincy stint in the IPL, he captained his state team Madhya Pradesh in the 2024-25 seasons of the 20-over Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy.

RCB SPECIAL VIDEO FOR CAPTAIN RAJAT PATIDAR 👑 pic.twitter.com/jBXeQpgDb7

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2025

RCB have not won the IPL title yet, though they have been finalists three times, the last of which was in 2016. They have made the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, including in 2024.

ALSO SEE : IPL 2025: RCB announce captain

Virat on Rajat Patidar  :

“Rajat, I want to congratulate you, the way you have grown in this franchise, you have made a place in the heart of fans of RCB all over India. This is very well deserved, I tell you that myself and the other team members will be right behind you,” says Virat Kohli. “Show him absolute support, get right behind him, he will always do what's best for the team, best for the franchise.”

Three-time IPL runners-up Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced their captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Rajat Patidar is the new captain for RCB for the IPL 2025. 

It will be the first time that Rajat Patidar will lead an IPL team. He has led the Madhya Pradesh T20 team in 16 matches, and recently, he led the team to finish as the runners-up in the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season (2024-25), as his team lost the Final against Mumbai last December.  

Rajat Patidar is a strong name for RCB 

Since 2021, Patidar has played 27 IPL matches, where the right-handed batter has scored 799 runs with an average of 34.73 and a strike rate of 158.84, including one century and seven half-centuries. For RCB, he is a strong name in the top and top middle order. During IPL 2022, when RCB faced Lucknow Super Giants in Kolkata, the right-handed batter hit his maiden IPL century (112* in 54 balls).

In the last IPL season (IPL 2024), Patidar was the third leading run-scorer for RCB with 395 runs in 13 innings with an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 177.13, including five half-centuries. He was very consistent in that IPL season, while the right-handed batter also smashed 33 sixes in that IPL season, only behind Virat Kohli (38 sixes) in the list of most sixes by RCB batters in the IPL 2024.

Watch Now: RCB’s Special Tribute Video for Captain Rajat Patidar!

Rajat Patidar became the eighth captain for RCB

Patidar became the eighth RCB captain and the fourth Indian among them. As an RCB captain, Patidar is the successor of Faf du Plessis, who wasn't retained in the squad for the upcoming season and ultimately moved to Delhi Capitals during the mega auction. 

Former RCB captains

The new captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) may be announced on February 13 in a press conference, as per reports. The man likely to lead for the next three seasons is Rajat Patidar.

Big Decision for RCB
RCB has lost a good captain after the retirement of their former captain. He is captain for 9 years  The management feels that the young batsman, Patidar, would be the needed one to lead the team towards success. He has been one of the most consistent performers for RCB in the last few seasons and has pleased everyone with his batting skills and calm temperament on the field.

Virat Kohli's Captaincy Record for RCB

Why Rajat Patidar?
Rajat Patidar has been consistent in his performance for RCB. He also comes with the knack of displaying leadership skills at times of pressure. He does deliver in crucial situations, and he is one good leader because guiding youngsters suits him. In that case, if he gets the nod, then he would lead RCB at least for three seasons, provide stability, and a clear picture of what could be ahead in the future.

ALSO READ:Chhattisgarh T20 League: A Gateway for Young Cricket Talent

Breaking

On 13 Feburary RCB will do a press conference in which they are going to choose a captain for RCB and rajat patidar is likely to lead the side for next 3 years in IPL. pic.twitter.com/wCDXk32bLl

— Kevin (@imkevin149) February 11, 2025

What to Expect at the Press Conference?
Besides sharing the team's plans for IPL 2025 and onwards, the management is also going to introduce their new captain at this very same press conference. Fans would seek words from the management about how they approach the next season.

RCB Star Player Rajat Patidar's Spectacular Domestic Cricket Form

Rajat Patidar is extraordinarily skilled Player, Patidar hits the ball very strong and scores a lot of runs in different formats. Everyone expects him to do great things for his team, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in the IPL 2025. Patidar scored 428 runs in SMAT 2024, which is amazing.

Recent Domestic Performances

In his last 16 innings in this domestic cricket season, Patidar has consistently delivered impressive knocks.

76(36), 62(36), 68(40), 4(7), 36(16), 28(18), 66*(29), 82*(40), 55(33), 21*(15), 2(7), 2(3), 132*(137), 0(2), 92(142)

Patidar even scored over fifty runs very quickly in some games for his team, and helped his team, Madhya Pradesh, get to the last match. Once, he got 81 runs and didn't get out when the game was very hard . Patidar kept going! In another format with 50-over games, called the VHT 2025, he kept scoring a large amount of runs, such as 226 in just six times at-bat!

ALSO READ: RCB Star Rajat Patidar Smashes 92 off 142 in Ranji Trophy for Madhya Pradesh

What a Domestic Season For Rajat Patidar in 2024/25 🔥🔥!!!

76(36), 62(36), 68(40), 4(7), 36(16), 28(18), 66*(29), 82*(40), 55(33), 21*(15), 2(7), 2(3), 132*(137), 0(2), 92(142).#RajatPatidar #RanjiTrophy pic.twitter.com/gFh7Xs8MDA

— Rishabh 18 (@rishabh18v) January 25, 2025

Last time he played in the IPL with his team, Rajat hit a very important score of 112 runs and he wasn't out at the end. Patidar was the first new person to do that when the games were very important! Now that he's playing so well, fans of his team hope he will help them win for the very first time! Rajat's very good in how he plays.

Rajat raises his bat in the #RanjiTrophy once again! 💪

RaPa steps up with his 2️⃣4️⃣th first-class half-century, helping his team to a commanding position! 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/OdLBBwJ7Vq

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 25, 2025

Soon, we'll see if he can keep scoring important runs when the IPL comes, as everyone will be watching him very carefully. It's clearly the biggest moment in cricket, and Rajat might be the one to win the cup for his team. Rajat Patidar has been amazing at cricket, and we can't wait to see what he does next. With the IPL coming, it's a big opportunity for him to prove himself.

Rajat Patidar Kicks Off 2025 with a Stellar Knock

Rajat Patidar plays for the RCB team and he's really proficient at cricket. Patidar's been playing unfathomably well this year. When he played for Madhya Pradesh, he hit 92 runs and that was out of only 142 balls Madhya Pradesh was having a tough time because they did not do very well at first, but Rajat's amazing playing helped his team to start doing better.A timely knock it was a vitally important time for Madhya Pradesh to do well because they got off to a rough start. Patidar took his time and chose the correct balls to hit. This meant that even though the other team's bowlers were tough, Rajat still made a lot of runs. Patidar was clearly the main player helping his team do well. Patidar scored a lot for his team even when everyone was very excited to win.Patidar was the player that didn't give up when things got difficult.

WELL PLAYED, RAJAT PATIDAR 💪

- 92 runs from 142 balls after Madhya Pradesh conceding the lead in the first innings, Great start to the new year by Patidar ahead of the vital IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/DRRkJ86IRw

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 25, 2025

Building Momentum for IPL 2025

Did you hear RCB's player Patidar is doing amazing in cricket? He hits the ball very well and helped Madhya Pradesh a lot. Patidar is really great that are not major like the IPL. He always plays well and stays brave, even when the game is fraught. Last time in the IPL playoffs, he scored nearly a hundred in just one game!That was very good RCB fans are unfathomably excited because he is doing a great job just before the new IPL begins. He's vitally key to them and if he keeps batting this way, RCB might win a lot. Everyone says he's really good at cricket and he's one of the top players who has not played for India yet. Keep an eye on him he might do some really great things this year!Patidar hitting balls nicely means RCB could do really well

ALSO READ:ICC Awards 2024: Full Schedule and Key Highlights

What’s Next for Rajat Patidar?

Patidar hit 92 runs and it shows how tough and strong he is. Patidar plays cricket for his teams, Madhya Pradesh and the RCB. Everyone is extremely excited to watch him play as the IPL gets closer. If Rajat keeps playing amazingly well, he could help RCB win a lot in the IPL in 2025. People watching him think he might win some major awards for playing cricket in India.

Key performances previous in all formats

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is still yearning for their first Indian Premier League title, and 2025 will be another critical season for the team. In four of the previous five seasons, RCB has made the playoffs before collapsing. Building on this, the courageous army will be eager to go strong and long. The IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah saw RCB construct a decent yet fascinating lineup.

The loyal fanbase-supported squad is once again a team with several fresh faces. So, once again, we're starting from zero. It will be interesting to see if they would go to their veteran, Virat Kohli and persuade this team to play regularly and produce results that need to be seen or go for a new captaincy take in the form of Rajat Patidar, who was phenomenal in the domestic cricket space. Here, we present the two strengths and one weakness that can be taken away from the IPL 2025 RCB squad. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 2025 IPL Squad: Virat Kohli, Rajit Patidar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, Abhinandan Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee

2 Strengths:

Strong top and middle-order batting unit

This season, they have a good lineup for batting is RCB's strength. RCB's bases are covered from start to end. What RCB did well was to get Phil Salt. He was a revelation for the Kolkata Knight Riders last season. With Salt in charge, RCB may expect a quick start this season. Salt will begin with Kohli, and the two may create a lethal combination. The opening duo can complement each other, especially given the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium's limited dimensions.

Rajat Patidar is another towering figure who can bat at number three or four. He can serve as the side's fulcrum. England's Liam Livingstone stands out at number five with tremendous hitting power. The side's finishers include Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David. Jacob Bethell is the player on the bench with the most potential to make an impact. He is one of the players to watch out for this season, showing promise through his recent international performances. 

Experienced fast-bowling campaigners

RCB's main-pace assault is potent and lethal, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood among the players. Bhuvi will effectively use his experience. Hazlewood will provide substance as well. Left-arm bowler Yash Dayal, who was renowned for conceding five sixes in the penultimate over against Rinku Singh of the Kolkata Knight Riders when playing for the Gujarat Titans, has shown to be a valuable asset for RCB and will continue to be. His return is nothing short of an inspiring piece.

Even the likes of Rasikh Salam Dar, who was bought for a colossal INR 6 Crores in the Mega Auction, can play a pivotal role with his emerging potent pace. Nuwan Thusara and Lungi Ngidi are essential players on the bench who can take over if Hazlewood or any of the primary bowlers are rested, citing an injury. 

1 Weakness:

Lack of a frontline spinner

Spin is probably the only biggest weakness for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They rely heavily on Krunal Pandya, a bowling all-rounder. Pandya struggled the previous season, averaging 42.50 and collecting six wickets in 14 matches. Pandya is not the type of bowler who can take 15 or more wickets in a season, as many other teams' spinners do, but can probably hinder the momentum of the opposition batters.

Suyash Sharma, RCB's second spin option, is set to play with Pandya. Suyash, a promising spin prodigy, played a few games for KKR, getting 10 wickets in 13 games. So, it's all about their inexperience, but only time will tell how they will unfold with their spinmeister tricks. Overall, their spin assault may or may not make it through.