Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a franchise identified for ardour, power-hitters, packed stadiums, and probably the most heartbreaking of scenes. Even with the most important names on this planet of cricket, the much-craved IPL trophy appears to be an ever-elusive one for them. The captaincy of RCB has handed by means of the arms of many veterans and budding stars, every with a unique story. Here’s a chronological evaluation of each RCB captain from 2008 to 2025.
1. Rahul Dravid (2008)
- Matches as captain: 14|Wins: 4
The unique ‘Wall’ of Indian cricket, Dravid was RCB’s icon participant, and the primary captain. Nevertheless, his legendary batting talent didn’t see IPL success translate into management. RCB completed in seventh place in 2008; consequently, Dravid relinquished captaincy after just one season.
2. Kevin Pietersen (2009)
- Matches as a captain: 6 |Wins: 2
The flamboyant Englishman took cost in 2009, however worldwide duties noticed him minimize quick. He may handle solely 2 wins in six video games earlier than heading again to England mid-season.
3. Anil Kumble (2009-2010)
- Matches as captain: 26|Wins: 15
The fortunes of RCB modified drastically underneath Anil Kumble. Taking cost mid-way in 2008, the veteran leg-spinner led RCB to their first IPL ultimate. He continued in 2009 and as soon as once more introduced the staff to the knockouts earlier than retiring, abandoning a legacy of grit and composure.
4. Daniel Vettori (2011-2012)
- Matches as captain: 22|Wins: 12
The Kiwi spinner took up the reins post-Kumble and led RCB to their second ultimate in 2011. He was appreciated for maintaining calm whereas the trophy nonetheless eluded RCB. Vettori took the choice to step down halfway through the 2012 season as a consequence of poor type and inconsistency with each ball and captaincy.
5. Virat Kohli (2011-2021)
- Matches as captain: 143|Wins: 68
Kohli began first as a stand-in captain throughout Vettori’s absence and took over in full in 2013. His peak was 2016, the landmark batting season and a run to the finals. He by no means really delivered the trophy, however his loyalty and depth outlined RCB’s ethos for almost a decade. Kohli stepped down after the 2021 season with RCB to a number of playoffs, maybe a comfort for an unfulfilled ambition.
6. Shane Watson (2017)
- Matches as captain: 3|Wins: 1
Throughout Kohli’s damage in 2017, the Aussie all-rounder had his transient stint as captain of RCB. The season was a turbulent one for RCB, and Watson’s quick captaincy stint did no good to RCB’s fortunes.
7. Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)
- Matches as captain: 42|Wins: 21
Publish-Kohli, the RCB administration seemed to fall again on expertise in Faf du Plessis, who led them to the playoffs in 2022 and masterminded a comeback in 2024 with six wins on the bounce. It was a season that may go down as one characteristically resilient and tactically matured, after all, with no title to his identify and ultimately not retained for 2025.
8. Rajat Patidar (2025-Current)
- Matches as captain: Ongoing
In a fairy-tale rise, Rajat Patidar went from damage substitute to full-time captain in 2025. Calm and grounded, Patidar has already led RCB to some gritty wins. Solely time will inform if he’s the one to lastly break the Trophy Curse.
An Unfinished Legacy
You’d discover RCB’s captaincy historical past to be a mix of legends, aptitude, and unrealized potential. With legends equivalent to Dravid, Kumble, and Kohli forming the grass-roots, and new entrants like Patidar carrying the torch, the captaincy story at RCB continues to evolve. Will the following chapter carry glory to the pink and gold?
Written by RITESH SINGH
