IPL 2025: RCB's captain to be announced today; Rajat Patidar beats Virat Kohli

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are expected to announce their new captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season on Thursday, February 13, in Bangalore. According to media reports, veteran RCB batter Virat Kohli is unlikely to take up the leadership role for the upcoming IPL season.

The Bengaluru-based team needs a new captain after parting ways with Faf du Plessis, who led the team from 2022 to 2024. They did not retain the 40-year-old ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Delhi Capitals acquired him at his base price. Du Plessis took over the leadership from Virat Kohli in 2022.

Virat Kohli Unlikely to Lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025

According to The Times of India, RCB planned their IPL 2025 auction strategy with the assumption that Virat Kohli might return as captain. Kohli led the team from 2013 to 2021 and captained a couple of matches in the 2023 season. The report added that the 36-year-old is unlikely to take the captaincy.

Middle-order batter Rajat Patidar has emerged as the leading contender for the captaincy, with Krunal Pandya also in the race. Patidar led Madhya Pradesh to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final. The right-handed batter finished as the second-highest run-scorer of the 2024 season, amassing 428 runs in nine innings.

That Is What I Am There For – Rajat Patidar on Leading RCB

Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya lead their respective teams in domestic cricket. RCB retained Patidar for Rs. 11 crore after his impressive batting in 2024. The Madhya Pradesh batter scored 395 runs in 13 innings at an average of 30.38 and a strike rate of 177.13. Pandya was bought by RCB for Rs. 5.75 crore.

During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in December 2024, Patidar was asked about the possibility of becoming RCB's captain. Patidar stated that he would be "happy" to take on the role if given the opportunity but added that it depends on the franchise.

“Of course, if I get an opportunity to lead RCB, that is what I am there for, and I will be happy. But it all depends on the franchise."

The TOI report added that RCB is set to announce their new captain on Thursday, February 13, at 11:30 AM. The franchise has sent out invites for a "special media gathering" for this key announcement. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and mentor Dinesh Karthik will attend the event.

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis' Records as RCB Captains

Virat Kohli captained the franchise in 143 matches, winning 66 and losing 70. Three matches ended in ties and four no-results. RCB reached the IPL final in 2016, but he has not been able to secure an IPL title. Kohli also had impressive outings in the IPL 2024, scoring 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.69.

Du Plessis, who took over as captain for RCB, led the team in 42 matches, with 21 wins and 21 losses. During the IPL 2024, the team suffered seven losses in their first eight matches but bounced back with six consecutive wins. However, their season ended with a loss in the Eliminator to Rajasthan Royals.

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