Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been one of the most exciting teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its beginning in 2008. While they haven’t won an IPL trophy yet, their captains have always been in the spotlight. From the first captain of RCB to the latest leader, the team has seen some big names take charge. Let’s take a look at all the captains of RCB over the years and how they performed.
Who Was the First Captain of RCB?
When we talk about the RCB first captain, it takes us back to the inaugural season of IPL in 2008. The first captain of RCB was none other than the legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid. Known as “The Wall” of Indian cricket, Dravid was a surprising choice for T20 cricket because he was more famous for his Test match batting.
Rahul Dravid’s Captaincy Record (2008)
- Matches: 14
- Won: 4
- Lost: 10
- Win/Loss Ratio: 0.400
Dravid’s time as the RCB 1st captain was tough. RCB finished seventh in the eight-team league that year. His traditional style didn’t quite fit the aggressive T20 format, and the team struggled. Still, as the one who is the first captain of RCB, he laid the foundation for future leaders. One thing was sure, he was a top choice in IPL online cricket betting.
Anil Kumble Takes Over (2009-2010)
After Dravid, spin wizard Anil Kumble became captain in 2009. He was a much better fit for RCB’s leadership. Under him, the team reached the finals in 2009 but lost to Deccan Chargers.
Anil Kumble’s Captaincy Record (2009-2010)
- Matches: 26
- Won: 15
- Lost: 11
- Win/Loss Ratio: 1.363
Kumble brought discipline and strategy to RCB. His leadership was sharp, and he made RCB a competitive side. Though he couldn’t win the title, he remains one of the most respected captains of RCB.
Daniel Vettori’s Turn (2011-2012)
New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori was next in line. A calm and tactical captain, Vettori led RCB to the playoffs in 2011, where they lost in the final to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Daniel Vettori’s Captaincy Record (2011-2012)
- Matches: 22
- Won: 12
- Lost: 10
- Win/Loss Ratio: 1.200
Vettori’s leadership was steady, but RCB still couldn’t get their hands on the trophy. After 2012, a new era began with a young and fiery leader.
The Virat Kohli Era (2011-2023)
The most iconic of all captains of RCB is Virat Kohli. He started as a young batsman in 2008 and later became the face of the franchise. Kohli took over full-time captaincy in 2013 and led RCB for a decade.
Virat Kohli’s Captaincy Record (2011-2023)
- Matches: 143
- Won: 66
- Lost: 70
- Win/Loss Ratio: 0.942
Kohli’s aggressive style made RCB one of the most followed teams. They reached the finals in 2016 but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Despite his passion, Kohli couldn’t win the IPL for RCB, which remains a big regret for fans.
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Faf du Plessis Leads RCB (2022-2024)
After Kohli stepped down, South African star Faf du Plessis took over. A seasoned campaigner, Faf brought stability to RCB’s batting and leadership.
Faf du Plessis’ Captaincy Record (2022-2024)
- Matches: 42
- Won: 21
- Lost: 21
- Win/Loss Ratio: 1.000
Faf’s captaincy was decent, but RCB still couldn’t break their title drought. Now, he has moved to Delhi Capitals, making way for a new leader.
Captain of RCB Till 2025: Rajat Patidar Takes Charge
For the 2025 season, RCB has surprised everyone by naming Rajat Patidar as captain. The 31-year-old Indian batsman has been a key player for RCB in recent years.
What to Expect from Patidar’s Captaincy?
- Aggressive Batting: Patidar is known for his fearless approach.
- Fresh Ideas: A new captain could bring a different strategy.
- Pressure to Perform: Fans will expect him to finally win RCB their first IPL title.
This is a bold move by RCB, and only time will tell if Patidar can succeed where others couldn’t.
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Other Short-Term Captains of RCB
Apart from the main captains, RCB also had a few leaders for short periods:
Kevin Pietersen (2009)
- Matches: 6
- Won: 2
- Lost: 4
- Win/Loss Ratio: 0.500
Shane Watson (2017)
- Matches: 3
- Won: 1
- Lost: 2
- Win/Loss Ratio: 0.500
These were temporary arrangements due to injuries or team strategies.
Why Has RCB Struggled to Find Consistent Captaincy Success?
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s captaincy history reveals a fascinating pattern of unfulfilled potential. Unlike franchises like Mumbai Indians or Chennai Super Kings that found long-term stability with Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni respectively, RCB has cycled through different leadership styles:
- Philosophy Shifts: From Dravid’s classical approach to Kohli’s aggressive style
- Frequent Changes: 8 captains in 16 seasons shows instability
- Mismatched Strategies: Some captains didn’t suit RCB’s batting-heavy structure
- Pressure Factors: Bengaluru’s passionate fanbase creates intense expectations
The constant captaincy changes reflect RCB’s desperate search for the right formula to win their maiden IPL title.
What Made Virat Kohli RCB’s Longest-Serving Captain?
Virat Kohli’s remarkable 10-year tenure as RCB captain stands out in IPL history:
Key Factors Behind His Longevity
- Emotional Connection: Grew from rookie to franchise icon
- Brand Alignment: His aggressive persona matched RCB’s identity
- Consistent Batting: Always delivered with the bat despite leadership pressure
- Fan Support: Became inseparable from RCB’s image
Controversial Aspects
- Failed to win trophies despite star power
- Team often over-dependent on his batting
- Bowling resources frequently mismanaged
Kohli’s captaincy era embodied RCB’s glorious failures – always competitive but never champions.
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How Does Faf du Plessis’ Captaincy Compare to Previous RCB Leaders?
Faf du Plessis brought a different dimension to RCB’s leadership:
Captaincy Aspect | du Plessis | Kohli | Kumble |
Tactical Approach | Calculated | Emotional | Disciplined |
Field Placement | Innovative | Aggressive | Traditional |
Player Management | Calm | Intense | Structured |
Results | Moderate | Near-misses | Final appearance |
Du Plessis provided stability but couldn’t solve RCB’s playoff curse, continuing the franchise’s search for the perfect captain.
What Challenges Will Rajat Patidar Face as New RCB Captain?
The surprise appointment of Rajat Patidar as captain for 2025 presents unique challenges:
Major Obstacles
- Inexperience: Never captained at IPL level before
- Following Legends: Replacing fan favorites like Kohli and du Plessis
- Team Composition: Balancing star players and team needs
- Expectation Management: Dealing with RCB’s trophy drought pressure
Potential Advantages
- Fresh perspective without past baggage
- Opportunity to build his own legacy
- Younger players may respond well to new leadership
Patidar’s success will depend on how quickly he adapts to the immense pressures of RCB captaincy.
Which RCB Captain Had the Most Impactful Leadership Style?
Analyzing the tactical influence of RCB’s various captains:
Anil Kumble (2009-2010)
- Introduced data-driven strategies
- Developed local talent systematically
- Created strong team discipline
Daniel Vettori (2011-2012)
- Brought calmness under pressure
- Excellent use of bowling resources
- Smart field placements
Virat Kohli (2013-2021)
- Instilled fighting spirit
- Backed players unconditionally
- Aggressive brand of cricket
Each captain left distinct imprints on RCB’s playing style and culture.
Why Has RCB Never Won Under These Quality Captains?
The trophy drought despite strong leadership points to deeper issues:
Structural Problems
- Chronic bowling weaknesses
- Over-reliance on top-order batting
- Poor auction strategies in key seasons
- Inconsistent middle-order performances
Psychological Factors
- Pressure of unfulfilled expectations
- Inability to win crunch games
- Home advantage not maximized at Chinnaswamy
These systemic issues have persisted across different captaincy regimes.
What Can RCB Learn From Other Teams’ Captaincy Models?
Successful IPL franchises offer valuable lessons:
Mumbai Indians’ Approach
- Long-term faith in Rohit Sharma
- Clear role definitions for players
- Balanced team construction
Chennai Super Kings’ Model
- Dhoni’s calm decision-making
- Consistency in core group
- Adaptability to conditions
RCB needs similar clarity in vision beyond just changing captains.
How Might Patidar’s Captaincy Change RCB’s Approach?
Early indicators suggest possible shifts:
Potential Changes
- More focus on domestic talent
- Different batting order combinations
- Innovative bowling rotations
- Calmer dressing room environment
Continuity Factors
- Kohli’s influence will remain strong
- Existing team strengths to be maintained
- Franchise’s aggressive brand identity
Patidar’s challenge is implementing changes while respecting RCB’s established culture.
What Defines a Successful RCB Captain Beyond Just Wins?
Given the trophy drought, other metrics matter:
Alternative Success Parameters
- Developing young Indian talent
- Creating memorable moments
- Building team culture
- Engaging fanbase emotionally
- Improving season-by-season
These factors explain why some captains remain beloved despite no titles.
Could RCB Benefit From Split Captaincy in Future?
The concept of different captains for different formats is worth considering:
Potential Advantages
- Specialized leadership for specific situations
- Reduced pressure on one individual
- Opportunity to test multiple leaders
Possible Drawbacks
- Lack of clear leadership identity
- Confusion in decision-making
- Divided dressing room loyalties
This remains an unexplored option for RCB to potentially break their trophy jinx.
What’s the Perfect Captain Profile for RCB’s Needs?
The ideal RCB captain might require:
Essential Qualities
- Tactical flexibility
- Calm temperament
- Strong local connection
- Ability to manage star players
- Innovative thinking
Additional Assets
- Experience in pressure situations
- Understanding of Chinnaswamy conditions
- Skill to maximize limited bowling resources
Finding this complete package remains RCB’s biggest challenge.
How Does RCB’s Captaincy History Compare to Other Teams?
A league-wide perspective shows:
Key Differences
- More captaincy changes than successful franchises
- Greater emphasis on star power over stability
- Less focus on tactical specialists
- More emotional decisions than calculated ones
These patterns explain why RCB’s search for the right leader continues.
What Legacy Will Patidar Hope to Create as Captain?
The new captain’s potential impact areas:
Short-term Goals
- Playoff qualification
- Establishing authority
- Balancing team dynamics
Long-term Aspirations
- Ending trophy drought
- Creating his own leadership identity
- Building next-generation RCB
His success will ultimately be measured by whether he can finally deliver what no previous RCB captain could – the IPL trophy.
Conclusion: Will RCB Finally Win Under Patidar?
From the first captain of RCB, Rahul Dravid, to the latest, Rajat Patidar, the team has seen many leaders try and fail to win the IPL. Kohli came the closest in 2016, but the trophy has remained out of reach.
Now, with Patidar as the new captain of RCB till 2025, fans hope for a fresh start. Will he be the one to break RCB’s jinx? Only the 2025 season will tell.
One thing is sure—RCB’s journey under different captains has been full of drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. The quest for that elusive IPL title continues!
FAQs
Who was the first captain of RCB?
The first captain of RCB was Rahul Dravid in 2008, leading the team in the inaugural IPL season with 4 wins in 14 matches.
How many captains has RCB had till 2025?
RCB has had eight captains so far, with Rajat Patidar being the latest appointment for the 2025 season.
Who captained RCB the longest?
Virat Kohli is RCB’s longest-serving captain, leading from 2013 to 2023 in 143 matches with 66 wins.
Did RCB ever win IPL under any captain?
No, despite reaching three finals (2009, 2011, 2016), RCB has never won the IPL title under any captain.
Why was Faf du Plessis replaced as RCB captain?
Faf du Plessis moved to Delhi Capitals in 2025, prompting RCB to appoint Rajat Patidar as the new captain.
Who had the best win ratio as RCB captain?
Anil Kumble holds the best win ratio (1.363) among RCB captains, with 15 wins in 26 matches (2009-2010).
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