Rajat Patidar is making waves again, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have chosen to retain him ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Patidar, who initially joined RCB as a replacement player, proved his worth with a sensational unbeaten knock of 112 runs off 54 balls against the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2022 Eliminator.
Though an injury kept him out of the 2023 season, he returned stronger in 2024, becoming a key player for RCB. Last season, Patidar scored 395 runs at a fantastic strike rate of 177.13, including five half-centuries. His fearless approach in the middle overs, especially against both spinners and fast bowlers, solved RCB’s struggle to maintain momentum during crucial phases of the game.
With such a solid performance, Patidar’s retention for the 2025 season was a no-brainer for RCB. The franchise, however, has released its former skipper, Faf du Plessis, sparking speculation about a new captain. While Virat Kohli is a potential candidate to reclaim the leadership, there’s also talk about grooming Rajat Patidar as a future captain. Here’s why he could be the perfect choice.
1. RCB Needs a Long-Term Captain
After Faf du Plessis’ three-season stint as captain, RCB is now looking for a leader who can serve the team for the long haul. With Faf’s release, likely due to age and fitness concerns, the team has an opportunity to invest in a young captain who can grow with the franchise. Rajat Patidar, at 31, is at the right age to take on this responsibility for the next three to five years.
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Building a stable leadership structure can help RCB aim for long-term success, and Patidar could be the answer to their captaincy puzzle.
2. The Importance of an Indian Captain
Historically, IPL teams with Indian captains, like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, have seen significant success. While Virat Kohli couldn’t bring a title home for RCB during his captaincy stint, another Indian player at the helm could still be a game-changer.
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The IPL 2025 auction may offer Indian captaincy options like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, or Shreyas Iyer, but securing them isn’t guaranteed. If RCB misses out on these players, Patidar becomes a strong in-house candidate for the role. With Kohli still part of the team, Rajat can be mentored and prepared to take charge effectively.
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3. Patidar’s Growing Captaincy Experience
Rajat Patidar is set to lead Madhya Pradesh in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s premier domestic T20 tournament. While the IPL is a much bigger stage, this experience will help him develop crucial leadership skills. Captaining his state team will give him insights into handling pressure, making strategic decisions, and guiding teammates.
Moreover, with seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik in the RCB setup, Patidar can rely on their advice as he transitions into a leadership role.
Why Rajat Patidar Could Be RCB’s Best Bet
Rajat Patidar has already proven his ability as a matchwinner with the bat. His impressive performances, coupled with his emerging captaincy credentials, make him a promising option for RCB’s leadership. If groomed well under the guidance of experienced players, he could be the franchise’s leader for years to come.
By entrusting Patidar with this responsibility, RCB could finally find the stability and vision needed to break their title drought.
