RCB's New Captain: Not Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar To Lead The Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Putting an end to all the speculations, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Thursday announced the new captain. Well, it is not Virat Kohli but Rajat Patidar who will be leading the Bengaluru side in the forthcoming Indian Premiere League (IPL).

In a post on X, the RCB announced, "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 past, will be a game-changer for RCB.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let's hear it for our Spin Basher, the cool and composed, 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿!"

ಬಹುಪರಾಕ್ ಹೇಳೋ ಸಮಯ ಬಂದಿದೆ, ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು! 🙌🔥

ಈಗ ಪದಗ್ರಹಣ ಮಾಡ್ತಿರೋ ನಿಮ್ಮ ತಂಡದ ಅಧಿಪತಿ, ನಾಯಕ ರಜತ್ ಮನೋಹರ್ ಪಾಟಿದಾರ್! 👑💪#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #RCBCaptain #Rajat #RajatPatidar #IPL2025 #PatidarPattabhisheka pic.twitter.com/NDf8EjIl2H

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

He has the backing of Virat Kohli. In the video posted on the RCB page, he says, "𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌 "Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat": Virat Kohli

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌

“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat”: Virat Kohli

“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.”… pic.twitter.com/dgjDLm8ZCN

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

"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."

Prior to the announcement, there were speculations that Virat Kohli might return as the captain.He was leading the side between 2013 to 2021 before deciding to step down. Later, Faf du Plessis replaced him.

RCBs new captain reveal is just moments away! Stay tuned#RCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/CyKjO4mqIK

— Oneindia News (@Oneindia) February 13, 2025

However, the RCB has not retained him for this season and the Delhi Capitals have bought him, this time.