The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), formerly known as Bangalore, have been one of the most talked-about teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception.
Known for its passionate fan base and a history of assembling some of the finest cricketing talents, RCB has also seen a carousel of leaders over the years.
Each captain has left a unique imprint on the franchise, from their strategic gameplay to their influence on team culture.
As we step into the IPL 2025 season, with Rajat Patidar taking the helm, let’s take a journey through the past captains of RCB.
RCB captains
The IPL journey for RCB began with the legendary Rahul Dravid at the helm.
Known for his impeccable technique and calm demeanor, Dravid was an icon in Indian cricket when he captained RCB during their inaugural season in 2008.
In 14 matches, he managed to steer the team to only 4 victories, resulting in a win percentage of just 28.57%.
Despite the team’s performance, Dravid’s leadership laid the foundation for the franchise’s ethos of resilience and grace under pressure.
Following Dravid, the team saw a brief stint with another cricketing legend, Kevin Pietersen, in 2009.
The former English captain brought his aggressive style to RCB, but his captaincy was cut short due to national commitments.
In the 6 matches he led, RCB managed 2 wins, giving him a win percentage of 33.33%.
Pietersen’s tenure was marked by an attempt to bring a more dynamic approach to the team’s gameplay.
Then came Anil Kumble, a true stalwart of Indian cricket, who took over the captaincy in what was a transformative period for RCB.
Over 35 matches, Kumble led with a strategic mind, guiding RCB to 19 victories, which translates to the highest win percentage among all RCB captains at 54.28%. His leadership was pivotal in taking RCB to their first IPL final in 2009, though they didn’t secure the trophy. Kumble’s tenure was not just about wins but about instilling a fighting spirit in the team.
Daniel Vettori, the New Zealand spinner, was the next to lead RCB. His captaincy spanned 28 matches with 15 victories, achieving a win percentage of 53.57%.
Vettori’s leadership was characterized by his calm, collected approach, focusing on the team’s balance between bat and ball.
His era saw RCB finishing as runners-up in the IPL 2011, showcasing his ability to marshal a squad filled with both young and experienced players.
Virat Kohli, often considered one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, took over the captaincy from Vettori in 2013.
Kohli’s passion and aggressive style of play made him a natural fit for the RCB captaincy.
Under his leadership for 143 matches, RCB clinched 66 victories, giving him a win percentage of 46.15%.
Kohli’s tenure was marked by several playoff appearances and a final in 2016, although the elusive IPL trophy remained out of reach.
His impact on the team was profound, not just in terms of results but in building a culture of high performance and dedication.
After Kohli stepped down, Shane Watson briefly took over for 3 matches in 2017 when Kohli was injured, maintaining a win percentage of 33.33%. However, Watson’s stint was more of a placeholder until Kohli could return.
The most recent captain before the 2025 season was Faf du Plessis, who assumed the role in 2022.
In 42 matches, he managed to lead RCB to 21 wins, mirroring his losses, thus holding a neutral win percentage of 50%.
Du Plessis brought his international experience and tactical acumen to RCB, aiming to end their title drought with a balanced approach to the game.
Now, as we look forward to IPL 2025, Rajat Patidar has been announced as the new captain, succeeding du Plessis.
Patidar, known for his explosive batting in the middle order, steps into a role that has historically been challenging yet rewarding.
His appointment marks a new chapter for RCB, with fans and analysts alike curious to see how he will steer this storied franchise.
Each captain of RCB has contributed to the team’s narrative in the IPL, bringing their unique style of leadership, strategy, and player management.
From the calm and composed Rahul Dravid to the fiery Virat Kohli, and now to the potential-filled Rajat Patidar, the captaincy of RCB has been a journey of diverse leadership styles, all aimed at capturing the IPL trophy.
As RCB fans, the hope is that this new leadership will finally lead to the long-awaited championship success.
