IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar Embraces Calm Leadership As RCB’s New Captain

February 13, 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter and newly appointed skipper Rajat Patidar opened up about his captaincy style and the journey that led him to replace Faf Du Plessis as the leader of the franchise for the upcoming IPL 2025 season.

Patidar’s appointment marks a fresh era for RCB, as the 31-year-old has been an instrumental part of both RCB and Madhya Pradesh’s cricketing success over the years. Speaking in a video posted by RCB on Instagram, Patidar shared his thoughts on the responsibility of leading the Red and Gold franchise and reflected on the self-belief that got him to this point.

“My way of captaincy is slightly different,” Patidar said. “I am more quiet, calm and at the same time, I am aware of the situations, what is needed and what is not needed. I do not express much and I do not really panic in pressure situations and I think this is my strength.”

Patidar expressed confidence in the support he would receive from experienced leaders within the squad, both Indian and overseas. “There are a lot of experienced leaders in the group, so I think their input will definitely help me in my leadership role,” he added.

Reflecting on his career with RCB, Patidar recalled his emotional journey after being released by the team in 2021 and later returning as a replacement player for Rs 20 lakhs in 2022. “I started playing in 2021 for RCB when I got a chance. I did not get picked in the mega auction, and I was a bit emotional that I would not get a second chance. But RCB picked me up as a replacement,” he said.

Patidar’s journey has been marked by significant milestones, including his unforgettable century against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2022 IPL eliminator, which made him the first uncapped player to score a century in an IPL playoff match. His performance in that match helped propel him into the limelight, earning him a place in the RCB lineup for the following seasons.

However, 2023 saw Patidar sidelined due to injury. Despite the setback, he was overwhelmed by the support from RCB fans during his time away from the game. “I got injured in 2023 and I was away from the game for a year. The way the fans supported me during that time was a good moment for me,” he recalled.

Patidar’s self-belief played a crucial role in his return, as he made a comeback in 2024 and helped RCB qualify for the playoffs after a rough start to the season. “That belief is my strength,” he said. “Wherever I go, that word (belief) is always with me. That belief is my strength.”

For Patidar, being appointed as RCB’s captain is the “best moment” of his IPL career. “I am very happy and ready for the upcoming challenges,” he concluded, eager to lead the team in IPL 2025.

Patidar has a history of captaincy experience, having led Madhya Pradesh in all formats. His leadership was key in MP’s journey to the finals of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year, where he scored 428 runs in 10 matches with a strike rate of over 186, ending as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

As a player, Patidar has been a vital contributor for RCB since 2022, with 799 runs in 24 innings at an average of 34.73 and a strike rate of 158.84, including a century and seven fifties. His fiery batting and ability to tackle spin have made him a standout talent in the IPL.

Patidar has also represented India in ODIs and Tests, debuting in late 2023 against South Africa, where he played a crucial knock of 22 runs. His international career continues to grow, though he has faced challenges in Tests, with just 63 runs in six innings during India’s home series against England last year.

As Patidar takes the reins of RCB for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how he leads the team, building on his self-belief, calm demeanor, and experience as both a leader and a match-winner.