Thu Feb 13 07:49:47 UTC 2025: **Royal Challengers Bangalore Appoints Rajat Patidar as New Captain for IPL 2025**

Bengaluru, India – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) today announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, which begins March 21st. The 31-year-old right-handed batsman, retained by RCB before the 2024 mega-auction, has prior captaincy experience leading Madhya Pradesh in domestic T20 and ODI tournaments. His impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he was the second-highest run-scorer with 428 runs at a strike rate of 186.08, further solidified his credentials.

The decision follows the departure of Faf du Plessis, who led RCB from 2022 to 2024. While Virat Kohli was a strong contender, RCB management opted for an Indian captain with local expertise, citing the importance of understanding Indian pitches and the fan base’s preference for an Indian captain. Kohli, however, remains a key figure in the team and will continue to provide crucial leadership support.

RCB Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, praised Patidar’s calm demeanor, care for his teammates, and resolute playing style as key factors in the selection. He also highlighted the franchise’s focus on developing multiple leadership options within the squad, including experienced players like Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Patidar himself expressed his excitement and gratitude, emphasizing his commitment to supporting his teammates and learning from Kohli’s extensive experience. Kohli offered his congratulations and pledged his full support to the new captain.

The announcement was made live on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports, generating significant buzz at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Patidar’s appointment marks a new chapter for RCB as they aim for success in the upcoming IPL season.

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