Table of Contents
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been in the headlines once again with the announcement of Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). As the team gears up for an exciting season of IPL action, the appointment of Patidar as the new leader of the new is anticipated to deliver the confidence boost the team so desperately needs in their quest to lift the coveted IPL title for the first time.
RCB’s squad boasts several legendary players who have graced the team with their presence and leadership. In light of the glorious past of the franchise and Patidar’s appointment as the leader of the squad for the upcoming season, here is the complete list of RCB captains so far.
List of all RCB captains so far
(1) Rahul Dravid:
Rahul Dravid had the distinction of being RCB’s first-ever captain in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. However, his leadership tenure was short-lived, as RCB endured a disappointing campaign, winning only 4 out of 14 matches and finishing 7th on the points table. Despite Dravid’s vast experience and tactical acumen, the team struggled to find momentum throughout the season. As a result, his stint as captain lasted only one season before the franchise opted for a leadership change in search of better results.
(2) Kevin Pietersen:
Kevin Pietersen took over the captaincy of RCB in the 2009 season, succeeding Dravid. However, his tenure at the helm was brief, lasting only six matches. Under his leadership, RCB managed just two wins while suffering four defeats, failing to build consistent momentum. Despite Pietersen’s aggressive and attacking approach, the team struggled to translate his leadership into positive results. As a result, his stint as captain was cut short mid-season, prompting the franchise to make a change in search of a more effective leadership strategy.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Why Rajat Patidar was chosen as RCB Captain? Andy Flower highlights 3 key qualities
(3) Anil Kumble:
Anil Kumble took over the captaincy of RCB midway through the 2009 season, replacing Pietersen, and orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the franchise. Under his astute leadership, RCB surged to the final, narrowly missing out on the title with a six-run loss to the Deccan Chargers (DC). Building on that success, Kumble led the team once again in the 2010 season, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the league stage before bowing out in the semi-finals against Mumbai Indians (MI). Across his tenure, Kumble captained RCB in 35 matches, securing 19 victories and suffering 16 defeats.
(4) Daniel Vettori:
Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori became the fourth skipper RCB in the IPL, leading the team in the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Under his captaincy, RCB enjoyed a fairly successful run, winning 15 out of 28 matches. Vettori’s leadership played a crucial role in guiding the team to the final of the 2011 season, where they eventually fell short against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), losing by 58 runs. However, the 2012 campaign proved to be less fruitful, as RCB failed to secure a playoff spot, finishing fifth in the league stage. Despite the mixed results, Vettori’s calm demeanor and tactical acumen left a lasting impact on the franchise.
(5) Virat Kohli:
Virat Kohli stands as the longest-serving captain in the history of RCB, leading the franchise across multiple seasons with unwavering commitment. He first took charge in 2011, stepping in for Vettori, before being appointed as the full-time captain in 2013. Over the years, Kohli led RCB in a record 143 matches, securing 66 victories while facing 70 defeats. His most notable campaign came in the 2016 season when he delivered an extraordinary individual performance, amassing a record-breaking 973 runs, and guiding RCB to the final. However, the team narrowly missed out on their maiden title, falling short by eight runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Despite the highs and lows, Kohli’s passion, aggression, and loyalty defined his tenure as captain. After nearly a decade of leadership, he stepped down following the 2021 season, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and an unrelenting quest for IPL glory.
(6) Shane Watson:
Shane Watson had a brief stint as captain of RCB during the 2017 IPL season, stepping in for Virat Kohli in three matches. Under his leadership, RCB managed just one win while suffering two defeats. Unfortunately, Watson’s overall tenure with the franchise was underwhelming, as he struggled to make a significant impact with both bat and ball.
Across two seasons, he played 24 matches, scoring 250 runs and taking 25 wickets but failing to deliver match-winning performances consistently. However, his IPL career saw a resurgence when he moved to CSK in 2018, where he rediscovered his form and went on to play a crucial role in their title-winning campaign.
(7) Faf du Plessis:
Faf du Plessis took over the captaincy of RCB in 2022, succeeding Kohli, and made an immediate impact by leading the team to Qualifier 2 in his debut season as skipper. Over his 3-year tenure from 2022 to 2024, he brought stability and experience to the squad, guiding them through both highs and lows. Under his leadership, RCB secured 21 wins in 42 matches, maintaining a balanced win-loss ratio of 1. While the team finished sixth in the 2023 season, they bounced back in 2024 to secure a playoff spot, only to fall short in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite not clinching the elusive IPL title, Faf’s leadership, consistency, and aggressive batting set a strong foundation for the franchise’s future aspirations.
(8) Rajat Patidar:
RCB appointed Rajat Patidar as their 8th captain for the 2025 IPL season, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s history. Having joined RCB in 2021, he has established himself as a key middle-order batter, amassing 799 runs in 27 matches at an impressive average of 34 and a blistering strike rate of 159. Patidar’s leadership credentials stem from his experience captaining Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. His rise to prominence earned him an international debut in December 2023, representing India during an ODI clash against South Africa in Paarl.
