Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain in a Live announcement from Bengaluru on Thursday (February 13). Rajat Patidar's rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been nothing short of remarkable. F
From being an uncapped player to becoming the backbone of RCB's middle-order and now being named their captain for IPL 2025, his journey has now inspired many.

Patidar made his IPL debut for RCB in 2021 but truly announced himself in 2022 with a blistering century in the playoffs against Lucknow Super Giants. His unbeaten 112 off 54 balls remains one of the finest knocks in IPL knockout history. The innings not only cemented his place in the side but also showcased his fearless strokeplay under pressure.
Since then, he has been one of RCB's most dependable batters. Across 27 IPL matches, Patidar has amassed 799 runs at an impressive average of 34.74 and a staggering strike rate of 158.85. His consistency and ability to accelerate at will have made him a prized asset for the franchise. Recognizing his value, RCB retained him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction for a hefty ₹11 crore, signaling their trust in his leadership and match-winning abilities.
One of Patidar's biggest strengths is his versatility against both pace and spin. His strike rate of 166.3 against fast bowlers shows his aggressive intent, while his dominant 177.4 strike rate against spinners highlights his ability to dismantle slow bowlers. This adaptability makes him an all-phase batter capable of anchoring an innings or accelerating when needed.
As he steps into the leadership role, Patidar will have the responsibility of guiding RCB in their quest for a maiden IPL title. With his aggressive approach and calm temperament, he could be the catalyst for a new era at the franchise.