RCB's batting coach reveals reasons behind Patidar's captaincy appointment
What's the story
Star Madhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar was appointed the new Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
The announcement was made on February 13.
The decision marks a major change in leadership for the Bengaluru-based franchise, which retained Patidar for ₹11 crore ahead of the 2025 IPL mega auction.
He will be the eighth player to lead RCB in the IPL.
Meanwhile, the team's batting coach has explained why Patidar was chosen for the role.
Career progression
Patidar's IPL journey and international debut
Patidar, who started his IPL career in 2021, has scored 799 runs in 27 matches so far.
He debuted for India in December 2023 in an ODI vs South Africa.
Despite missing the 2023 season due to injury, he scored 395 runs in 15 matches last year.
His consistency and resilience have been instrumental in his elevation as RCB's new captain.
Leadership qualities
Karthik explains reasons behind Patidar's captaincy
RCB's batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik revealed why Patidar was appointed captain on Cricbuzz's Hey CB with DK show.
"The way he led Madhya Pradesh during the domestic season was fantastic. A lot of good things players had to say about the way he led the team. So that really encouraged us, and we wanted a new leader considering it's a fresh group of players. These two things prompted us to make Rajat our captain," he noted.
Stellar record
Patidar's impressive performance in SMAT and VHT
Patidar guided the Madhya Pradesh team to a runner-up finish in the 2024 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy.
The Indian batter hammered a ferocious 81*(40) in the final, (SR: 202.50). Across 10 matches in the tourney, Patidar slammed 428 runs at 61.14 (50s: 5).
Meanwhile, in six Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25 innings, Patidar managed 226 runs at an average of 56.50.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he clocked a strike rate of 107.10, alongside one ton and a fifty.
Captaincy
Patidar replaces Faf du Plessis
Patidar has replaced Faf du Plessis, who was released by the Royal Challengers following IPL 2024. He captained the side in the previous few seasons.
Therefore, the Royal Challengers had a task of naming a new captaincy candidate.
Kohli, who successfully led the franchise in the past, is believed to have denied the role.
This led to Patidar's appointment.