3 Cricketers who could have been a better choice than Rajat Patidar for RCB captaincy

The development of Rajat Patidar being disclosed as Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) skipper for the 2025 edition of the IPL was quite an unexpected revelation. However, there was no doubt that he was in the race for the leadership role. After all, he has been backed by the think tank through thick and thin. Acquired at his base price of INR 20 lakh in IPL 2021, Patidar only featured in four games. He was released ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction.

However, as luck would have it, RCB signed him as a replacement for the injured Luvnith Sisodia. What made him more than a regular name amongst the RCB supporters was his dazzling unbeaten 112* off 54 deliveries in the Eliminator of IPL 2022. An unfortunate Achilles heel injury ruled him out of the entire 2023 edition. He went on to rack up five half-centuries in the previous installment, registering 395 runs at a truly exceptional strike rate of 177.13. Subsequently, Patidar became one of the three retained players ahead of the mega auction for IPL 2025.  

The announcement was made by team director, Mo Bobat, and head coach, Andy Flower, with Patidar accompanying them at an event in Bengaluru on Thursday, February 13. Based on how things panned out at the event, the two of them seemed quite impressed with Patidar's attributes and his stint as Madhya Pradesh's captain at the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Patidar is all set to become RCB's eighth skipper in the history of the franchise, taking charge from former RCB skipper, Faf du Plessis. His journey in the upcoming IPL 2025 season, promises to be an engaging spectacle.

3 candidates who could've been chosen as captain barring Patidar

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is no novice to 20-over cricket, and in particular, the IPL. His numbers in the IPL are nothing short of extraordinary. Bhuvneshwar stands fourth in the list of the highest wicket-takers in the tournament, having scalped a total of 181 wickets since making his debut in the 2011 edition. After 11 long seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad as the spearhead of the attack, RCB acquired him for INR 10.75 crore in the mega auction preceding IPL 2025.

The core motive for including Bhuvneshwar was for an experienced customer to lead the line as far as the bowling department is concerned. Time and again, Bhuvneshwar has showcased his level-headed approach during adrenaline-charged on-field moments. When called upon, he has also led sides - eight games for SRH and more recently, his state, Uttar Pradesh, in SMAT 2024. Considering the abundance of experience at his disposal, Bhuvneshwar could have been chosen as RCB's captain instead of Patidar.