Royal Challengers Bengaluru have appointed Rajat Patidar as their skipper for the upcoming season of the high-profile Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL). This time, RCB didn’t retain Fat du Plessis, who captained the side from 2022 to 2024. Meanwhile, there were expectations that Virat Kohli would take the reins for the 2025 season.

This will be the first time that Patidar will be captaining in the IPL. However, he has been at the helm in domestic cricket, having led his his state team Madhya Pradesh in the 2024-25 seasons of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. RCB, who are yet to win the IPL title, will be hoping to turn the tables under new leadership.

Former RCB captain and incumbent player Virat Kohli congratulated Patidar and urged the fans to support the new skipper.

"I am here to inform everyone, like the others will do as well, that Rajat Patidar is going to be the new captain of RCB. Rajat, firstly i want to congratulate, wish you all the very best. The way you have grown in the 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. They get really excited to watch you play. So, this is very well deserved. Myself and the other team members will be right behind you and you'll have all our support," Kohli said in a video posted by RCB.

"To grow into this role, of course it is a big responsibility and i have done this for many years. Faf's done it for the last few years. To be seen as the guy who will take this franchise forward, I am sure this is a huge honour for you. I am very very happy for you. You've earned the right to be in this position and I am sure you will grow from strength to strength. I have seen Rajat evolve as a player in the last couple of years as a player, 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 he has taken, and he’s shown everyone what it takes to lead this amazing franchise," he added.

"I just wish him all the very best and I would request all the fans to support him, get right behind him. We know that he will do what best for the team, what's best for the franchise and we must all get together to support him because, regardless of what happens, who does what, the most important thing is the team and franchise. We all have that responsibility to work towards the growth of this amazing team and franchise. Sending my best wishes to him, and sending all the fans lots of love. Looking forward to seeing you and looking forward to having Rajat start off the season with a bang."