The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been one of the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a rich history of leadership transitions. They have been one of the most followed IPL franchises with a loyal fanbase but have never managed to win the IPL title. As we gear up for the IPL 2025 season, let’s take a stroll down memory lane to take a look at the players who have served as the captain of the RCB in the IPL:
Full list of RCB captains in the Indian Premier League history:
1 Rahul Dravid:
Rahul Dravid was the inaugural captain of RCB, bringing his classic, composed style to the team. Known as “The Wall,” Dravid’s tenure laid the foundation for RCB. The Karnataka man was the first captain of the franchise.
2 Kevin Pietersen:
Next came Kevin Pietersen in 2009, an explosive batsman known for his aggressive style of batting. His brief stint as captain was good, but it was cut short, leading to another transition in leadership.
3 Anil Kumble:
Anil Kumble took over in 2009, bringing his legendary spin bowling and deep cricketing insight to the captaincy role. Another Karnataka man, Kumble’s leadership was about strategy and mentorship, guiding younger players while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
4 Daniel Vettori:
Daniel Vettori succeeded Kumble, continuing the legacy of spin bowlers at the helm. His calm presence and tactical mind were assets, but like his predecessors, the trophy eluded him.
5 Virat Kohli:
The longest-serving captain, Virat Kohli, assumed command from 2013 to 2021. Under his fiery leadership, RCB saw some of its most memorable performances. Kohli’s era was characterized by aggressive cricket. The most impressive stint was the team’s performance in IPL 2016. However, they lost a close final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
6 Shane Watson:
Shane Watson took over in 2017 for a brief period but wasn’t able to leave a significant mark as captain due to his short tenure.
7. Faf du Plessis:
Faf du Plessis led the team in 2022, bringing a cool, calculated approach. His captaincy saw RCB make it to the playoffs, showing his capability to manage high-pressure situations effectively. However, the trophy still eluded him.
8. Rajat Patidar:
And now, as we look forward to IPL 2025, Rajat Patidar has been announced as the new captain, replacing Faf du Plessis. Patidar, known for his aggressive batting and cool head, steps into the shoes of his predecessors with the hope of finally clinching that elusive IPL title for RCB. He has been one of the players to be retained by the franchise ahead of the auction.
