Leadership has played an important role to the success of a team in the IPL in this case, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is not an exception. The 2025 season is nearing the fans want to know who will be RCB Captain 2025? The team is experiencing major changes as well as appearing talent who are making their impression, the decision of the new captain is crucial to the direction of RBC’s path and the team’s performance for the coming season.
Let’s analyze the possible candidates for the RCB Captain 2025 and see who will most likely lead the team.
RCB captain list:
Captain | Years | Notes |
Rahul Dravid | 2008 | First-ever RCB captain in IPL |
Kevin Pietersen | 2009 (first half) | Captained until he left for international duty |
Anil Kumble | 2009 (second half) – 2010 | Took over mid-season in 2009 & led in 2010 |
Daniel Vettori | 2011 – 2012 | Led RCB to the IPL 2011 final |
Virat Kohli | 2011 (stand-in), 2013 – 2021 | Stand-in captain in 2011 before full-time role in 2013 |
Shane Watson | 2017 (few matches) | Led for a few games when Kohli was injured |
Faf du Plessis | 2022 – 2024 | Appointed full-time captain after Kohli stepped down |
TBA (RCB Captain 2025) | 2025 | Official announcement awaited |
Will Virat Kohli Return as Captain?

Virat Kohli has been the face of RCB for years. He led the team from 2011 to 2021, guiding them to the final in 2016. Even after stepping down as captain, he has remained the team’s backbone, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
As RCB captain in 2024 season, Kohli was the team’s highest run-scorer, proving he still has what it takes to lead from the front. Many fans believe he could take up the captaincy again, but RCB’s management has yet to confirm this. While Kohli’s leadership experience is undeniable, he has also expressed his desire to focus on his batting.
Will RCB bring him back as captain? That remains the biggest question.
Faf du Plessis and RCB Part Ways—Who Takes Over?
Faf du Plessis became the captain after Kohli stepped down and led the team between 2022 and 2024. While RCB showed moments of brilliance under his leadership, they couldn’t secure the IPL trophy.
At 40, du Plessis is at a stage where RCB may look for a younger leader to build a long-term strategy. Reflecting this approach, RCB’s management decided not to retain du Plessis for the 2025 season, making him available for the IPL mega auction. Subsequently, he was acquired by Delhi Capitals at his base price of ₹2 crore. This move indicates the franchise’s intent to invest in a younger captain for future campaigns.
Rajat Patidar: The Rising Star?

One of RCB’s most promising players, Rajat Patidar, has been making a strong case for himself. At 31, he is entering his prime and has already shown great composure in high-pressure situations.
Patidar has spoken about his willingness to take on leadership responsibilities, and RCB might see him as a long-term captaincy option. Giving him the role now could set up the team for the future.
Phil Salt: The Wild Card?

Another exciting option is Phil Salt, the dynamic English wicketkeeper-batsman. While relatively new to IPL, he has been a key player in various T20 leagues worldwide.
Salt’s bold style and ability to handle pressure as a wicketkeeper could make him a surprise contender. If RCB is looking for a fresh international perspective, Salt could be an interesting choice.
Who is the Captain of RCB in 2025?—The Big Decision
As of now, RCB has not officially announced their captain for IPL 2025. The franchise has multiple strong contenders, and their decision will likely depend on their long-term vision.
Potential Candidates:
- Virat Kohli: Returning to the captaincy could provide experience and stability.
- Rajat Patidar: At 31, Patidar has shown great composure in high-pressure situations and is willing to take on leadership responsibilities.
- Liam Livingstone or Phil Salt: Opting for an international player could offer a fresh perspective.
RCB fans are eagerly waiting for an official confirmation. Whoever takes on the responsibility will be challenged to guide the team towards their first-ever IPL title.
Also Read: Captains of RCB
Final Thoughts
The captaincy of RCB in 2025 is still an open discussion, and the franchise is expected to make an announcement soon. With Virat Kohli’s return to leadership being a strong possibility, along with emerging talents like Rajat Patidar and the international experience of Liam Livingstone, the decision is crucial for RCB’s future.
RCB has a history of making bold moves, so fans should stay tuned for an exciting season ahead. Who will be the next captain of RCB? That’s the million-dollar question waiting to be answered! For the latest updates on Cricket and IPL, visit our official website, Spin and Swing.
FAQs:
Who is the RCB captain in 2025?
The official announcement for the RCB captain 2025 is yet to be made.
Who was the RCB captain 2024?
Faf du Plessis was the RCB captain in 2024.
What is the RCB captain list over the years?
Previous captains of RCB include Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Kohli, and du Plessis.