The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to announce their captain for the IPL 2025 season on Thursday, February 13, as per multiple media reports. Former skipper Faf du Plessis, who led the team from 2022 to 2024, was not retained ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Virat Kohli’s name has been widely speculated as a potential candidate. The star batter previously captained RCB from 2013 to 2021 and also led in a few matches during IPL 2023. While ESPNcricinfo reports that the 36-year-old is a strong contender, the Times of India suggests he is unlikely to take up the role.
Meanwhile, middle-order batter Rajat Patidar has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Du Plessis. Additionally, experienced all-rounder Krunal Pandya is being considered an outsider for the position, given his leadership experience with Baroda in domestic cricket.
Patidar, on the other hand, recently captained Madhya Pradesh to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, where they finished as runners-up to Mumbai.
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According to the TOI report, RCB has invited media personnel for a “special gathering for a key announcement” on February 13. The event is expected to feature the team’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, and head coach, Andy Flower. Meanwhile, several social media users have speculated that the announcement of RCB’s new captain will take place at 11:30 AM on Thursday.
RCB’s Captaincy Records of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis
Virat Kohli has captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 143 matches, securing 66 victories and suffering 70 defeats. Additionally, three matches ended in a tie, while four had no result, giving him a win percentage of 46.15 as RCB skipper.
Faf du Plessis, on the other hand, led RCB in 42 matches, winning 21 and losing 21, resulting in a win percentage of 50. In IPL 2024, RCB struggled under Du Plessis, losing seven of their first eight matches.
However, they staged a remarkable comeback, winning six consecutive games before their campaign ended with a four-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator.
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