Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been within the headlines as soon as once more with the announcement of Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Because the workforce gears up for an thrilling season of IPL motion, the appointment of Patidar as the brand new chief of the brand new is anticipated to ship the arrogance enhance the workforce so desperately wants of their quest to raise the coveted IPL title for the primary time.
RCB’s squad boasts a number of legendary gamers who’ve graced the workforce with their presence and management. In gentle of the wonderful previous of the franchise and Patidar’s appointment because the chief of the squad for the upcoming season, right here is the entire listing of RCB captains to this point.
Record of all RCB captains to this point
(1) Rahul Dravid:
Rahul Dravid had the excellence of being RCB’s first-ever captain within the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. Nevertheless, his management tenure was short-lived, as RCB endured a disappointing marketing campaign, successful solely 4 out of 14 matches and ending seventh on the factors desk. Regardless of Dravid’s huge expertise and tactical acumen, the workforce struggled to seek out momentum all through the season. Because of this, his stint as captain lasted just one season earlier than the franchise opted for a management change in quest of higher outcomes.
(2) Kevin Pietersen:
Kevin Pietersen took over the captaincy of RCB within the 2009 season, succeeding Dravid. Nevertheless, his tenure on the helm was transient, lasting solely six matches. Beneath his management, RCB managed simply two wins whereas struggling 4 defeats, failing to construct constant momentum. Regardless of Pietersen’s aggressive and attacking method, the workforce struggled to translate his management into optimistic outcomes. Because of this, his stint as captain was minimize quick mid-season, prompting the franchise to make a change in quest of a simpler management technique.
Additionally Learn: IPL 2025: Why Rajat Patidar was chosen as RCB Captain? Andy Flower highlights 3 key qualities
(3) Anil Kumble:
Anil Kumble took over the captaincy of RCB halfway by way of the 2009 season, changing Pietersen, and orchestrated a outstanding turnaround for the franchise. Beneath his astute management, RCB surged to the ultimate, narrowly lacking out on the title with a six-run loss to the Deccan Chargers (DC). Constructing on that success, Kumble led the workforce as soon as once more within the 2010 season, guiding them to a fourth-place end within the league stage earlier than bowing out within the semi-finals towards Mumbai Indians (MI). Throughout his tenure, Kumble captained RCB in 35 matches, securing 19 victories and struggling 16 defeats.
(4) Daniel Vettori:
Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori turned the fourth skipper RCB within the IPL, main the workforce within the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Beneath his captaincy, RCB loved a reasonably profitable run, successful 15 out of 28 matches. Vettori’s management performed a vital position in guiding the workforce to the ultimate of the 2011 season, the place they finally fell quick towards Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK), dropping by 58 runs. Nevertheless, the 2012 marketing campaign proved to be much less fruitful, as RCB did not safe a playoff spot, ending fifth within the league stage. Regardless of the combined outcomes, Vettori’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen left a long-lasting affect on the franchise.
(5) Virat Kohli:
Virat Kohli stands because the longest-serving captain within the historical past of RCB, main the franchise throughout a number of seasons with unwavering dedication. He first took cost in 2011, stepping in for Vettori, earlier than being appointed because the full-time captain in 2013. Over time, Kohli led RCB in a report 143 matches, securing 66 victories whereas dealing with 70 defeats. His most notable marketing campaign got here within the 2016 season when he delivered a rare particular person efficiency, amassing a record-breaking 973 runs, and guiding RCB to the ultimate. Nevertheless, the workforce narrowly missed out on their maiden title, falling quick by eight runs towards Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Regardless of the highs and lows, Kohli’s ardour, aggression, and loyalty outlined his tenure as captain. After practically a decade of management, he stepped down following the 2021 season, abandoning a legacy of resilience and an unrelenting quest for IPL glory.
(6) Shane Watson:
Shane Watson had a short stint as captain of RCB throughout the 2017 IPL season, stepping in for Virat Kohli in three matches. Beneath his management, RCB managed only one win whereas struggling two defeats. Sadly, Watson’s general tenure with the franchise was underwhelming, as he struggled to make a major affect with each bat and ball.
Throughout two seasons, he performed 24 matches, scoring 250 runs and taking 25 wickets however failing to ship match-winning performances constantly. Nevertheless, his IPL profession noticed a resurgence when he moved to CSK in 2018, the place he rediscovered his type and went on to play a vital position of their title-winning marketing campaign.
(7) Faf du Plessis:
Faf du Plessis took over the captaincy of RCB in 2022, succeeding Kohli, and made a direct affect by main the workforce to Qualifier 2 in his debut season as skipper. Over his 3-year tenure from 2022 to 2024, he introduced stability and expertise to the squad, guiding them by way of each highs and lows. Beneath his management, RCB secured 21 wins in 42 matches, sustaining a balanced win-loss ratio of 1. Whereas the workforce completed sixth within the 2023 season, they bounced again in 2024 to safe a playoff spot, solely to fall quick within the Eliminator towards Rajasthan Royals (RR). Regardless of not clinching the elusive IPL title, Faf’s management, consistency, and aggressive batting set a powerful basis for the franchise’s future aspirations.
(8) Rajat Patidar:
RCB appointed Rajat Patidar as their eighth captain for the 2025 IPL season, marking a brand new chapter within the franchise’s historical past. Having joined RCB in 2021, he has established himself as a key middle-order batter, amassing 799 runs in 27 matches at a powerful common of 34 and a blistering strike price of 159. Patidar’s management credentials stem from his expertise captaining Madhya Pradesh in home cricket. His rise to prominence earned him a world debut in December 2023, representing India throughout an ODI conflict towards South Africa in Paarl.
