RCB has seen a variety of captains in IPL with different leadership styles, from calm and composed to aggressive and passionate. Each captain contributed uniquely, with a mix of strategic and tactical approaches. The franchise now looks to a new leader for the 2025 season, aiming to end its title drought.
Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid led RCB in their debut IPL season in 2008, bringing his composure and technical prowess to the team. However, RCB won only 4 out of 14 matches under his captaincy, with a 28.57% win rate. Despite the struggles, Dravid’s leadership helped establish the franchise’s core values.
Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen took over RCB’s captaincy in 2009, introducing an aggressive style of leadership. However, his stint was brief due to national commitments. He led in 6 matches, securing 2 wins with a 33.33% win rate. Despite the short tenure, he aimed to instill a more dynamic approach in RCB’s gameplay.
Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble took over as RCB captain in 2009, bringing a strategic approach to the team. Leading for 35 matches, he secured 19 victories, achieving a 54.28% win rate—the highest among RCB captains. His leadership was instrumental in guiding RCB to their first IPL final, instilling a strong fighting spirit despite the loss.
Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori captained RCB for 28 matches, leading the team to 15 wins and a 53.57% win rate. His calm, strategic approach focused on balancing bat and ball, guiding RCB to the IPL 2011 final as runners-up. Vettori excelled at managing a mix of youth and experience in the squad.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli took over as RCB captain in 2013, leading the team for 143 matches with 66 wins, a win percentage of 46.15%. His aggressive, passionate leadership saw several playoff appearances and a 2016 final, though the IPL title eluded him. After Kohli stepped down, Shane Watson briefly captained in 2017, achieving a 33.33% win rate. Kohli’s leadership shaped RCB’s high-performance culture.
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis captained RCB starting in 2022, leading the team in 42 matches with a balanced 50% win rate (21 wins). His tactical acumen and international experience aimed to break RCB’s title drought.
Rajat Patidar
As IPL 2025 approaches, Rajat Patidar takes over as RCB’s captain, succeeding Faf du Plessis. Known for his dynamic batting, Patidar steps into a challenging yet exciting role, marking a new chapter for RCB. The team’s captaincy journey has seen various leadership styles, all striving for the elusive IPL trophy.