Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have begun their IPL 2025 campaign in remarkable fashion. This season, the franchise looks more united and well-rounded than ever before, no longer dependent on a handful of individual stars. A big reason behind this transformation is the leadership of their new captain, Rajat Patidar.
RCB has already pulled off an extraordinary achievement—defeating Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, and Mumbai Indians at Wankhede. No captain in IPL history had ever managed to win at all three iconic venues in a single season.
Only Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) had achieved this in 2012, but with different captains. Adam Gilchrist led the side to a win against KKR, while David Hussey captained the victories over CSK and MI. Patidar is now the first captain to do it in one season.
Following RCB’s latest win over Mumbai Indians, where he scored a match-winning 64 off 32 balls, Patidar was named Player of the Match. However, he credited the bowling unit for the victory.
“That was a really amazing match. The way the bowlers have shown courage, it was amazing. To be honest, this award goes to the bowling unit because it’s not easy to stop a batting unit on this ground, so the credit goes to them. The way the fast bowlers executed their plans was great. The way Krunal has bowled was amazing. In the last over, it was not easy, I think the way he has bowled and the courage he has shown is amazing,” he said.
Patidar also revealed the game plan that led to their success.
“At that time, it was clear that we have to take the game deep. So, the discussion was to take the game deep and use KP’s one over at the last. The wicket was good and the ball was coming on nicely to the bat. After the Hardik Pandya over, I went all out. The wrist spinner is one of the main bowlers because they are wicket-taking and the way he (Suyash Sharma) bowled was great,” Patidar added.
With Patidar’s calm leadership and strategic decision-making, RCB has not only found momentum early in the tournament but also created history. Their fans will be hoping this dominant form continues all the way to the title.
