How many players have led RCB in IPL history?
What's the story
Indian batter Rajat Patidar has been named the new skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The 31-year-old, who represents Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, will be embarking on his first-ever stint as an IPL captain.
He is the fourth Indian and overall eighth player to take up the leadership role for RCB.
Have a look at RCB's captains over the years.
Dravid
Rahul Dravid (2008)
RCB's leadership history has seen some big names.
Rahul Dravid was the franchise's icon player in the inaugural IPL edition, back in 2008.
However, the former Indian batter resigned after a dismal season with just four wins in 14 matches.
Dravid, however, was the franchise's leading run-scorer that season. He slammed 371 runs at a strike-rate of 124.49.
Pietersen, Kumble
Kevin Pietersen (2009) and Anil Kumble (2009-2010)
England's Kevin Pietersen took over as the RCB skipper in 2009. However, the Royal Challengers could only manage two wins in six games before he resigned from the post.
The legendary Anil Kumble replaced him midway through the season, guiding RCB to their first IPL final. However, they lost to Deccan Chargers.
Kumble, who also led RCB in the 2010 edition, won 15 of his 26 IPL games as captain.
Vettori
Daniel Vettori (2011-2012)
Daniel Vettori was named RCB's captain for the 2011 IPL season. He led the side to nine wins in 14 league encounters before taking them to the final.
However, Chennai Super Kings defeated RCB in the final to claim their second IPL title.
Vettori led RCB in IPL 2012. He ended with a win percentage of 54.54%, having won 12 out of 22 matches.
Kohli
Virat Kohli (2011-2023)
Virat Kohli served as RCB's full-time captain between 2013 and 2021. He even led the franchise as their stand-in captain between 2011 and 2023.
Kohli has overall led in third-most IPL matches (143) after MS Dhoni (226) and Rohit Sharma (158). He led RCB to 66 wins and 70 defeats (Tied: 3 and NR: 4).
Under Kohli, RCB reached the final in 2016, where they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. He stepped down from the post following the 2021 season.
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Kohli's record-breaking 2016 season
Kohli's record-breaking 2016 season came while he was leading RCB. He scored a staggering 973 runs, the most for a player in the IPL season. His tally included an incredible average of 81.08 and four tons. He is currently the highest run-scorer in the IPL.
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Shane Watson (2017)
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson led RCB in the absence of Kohli in 2017 IPL season. His captaincy tenure last just three matches, with one of them resulting in a win.
Du Plessis
Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)
Kohli's successor, Faf du Plessis took over in IPL 2022. He is among RCB's most successful skippers, having led the franchise to two playoff finishes in three seasons.
In 42 matches as captain, du Plessis won 21 times, giving him a win percentage of 50%.
Du Plessis was released by RCB following the 2024 season, where they miraculously reached the playoffs.
Rajat Patidar, who has now replaced du Plessis, will embark on his new journey.