Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a franchise known for passion, power-hitters, packed stadiums, and the most heartbreaking of scenes. Even with the biggest names in the world of cricket, the much-craved IPL trophy seems to be an ever-elusive one for them. The captaincy of RCB has passed through the hands of many veterans and budding stars, each with a different story. Here is a chronological review of every RCB captain from 2008 to 2025.
1. Rahul Dravid (2008)
- Matches as captain: 14|Wins: 4
The original ‘Wall’ of Indian cricket, Dravid was RCB’s icon player, and the first captain. However, his legendary batting skill did not see IPL success translate into leadership. RCB finished in seventh position in 2008; as a result, Dravid relinquished captaincy after only one season.
2. Kevin Pietersen (2009)
- Matches as a captain: 6 |Wins: 2
The flamboyant Englishman took charge in 2009, but international duties saw him cut short. He could manage only 2 wins in six games before heading back to England mid-season.
3. Anil Kumble (2009-2010)
- Matches as captain: 26|Wins: 15
The fortunes of RCB changed drastically under Anil Kumble. Taking charge mid-way in 2008, the veteran leg-spinner led RCB to their first IPL final. He continued in 2009 and once again brought the team to the knockouts before retiring, leaving behind 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 final in 2011. He was appreciated for keeping calm while the trophy still eluded RCB. Vettori took the decision to step down midway during the 2012 season due to poor form and inconsistency with both ball and captaincy.
5. Virat Kohli (2011-2021)
- Matches as captain: 143|Wins: 68
Kohli started first as a stand-in captain during 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 never actually delivered the trophy, but his loyalty and intensity defined RCB’s ethos for nearly a decade. Kohli stepped down after the 2021 season with RCB to multiple playoffs, perhaps a consolation for an unfulfilled ambition.
6. Shane Watson (2017)
- Matches as captain: 3|Wins: 1
During Kohli’s injury in 2017, the Aussie all-rounder had his brief stint as captain of RCB. The season was a turbulent one for RCB, and Watson’s short captaincy stint did no good to RCB’s fortunes.
7. Faf du Plessis (2022-2024)
- Matches as captain: 42|Wins: 21
Post-Kohli, the RCB management looked to fall back on experience 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 would go down as one characteristically resilient and tactically matured, of course, without a title to his name and eventually not retained for 2025.
8. Rajat Patidar (2025-Present)
- Matches as captain: Ongoing
In a fairy-tale rise, Rajat Patidar went from injury replacement to full-time captain in 2025. Calm and level-headed, Patidar has already led RCB to some gritty wins. Only time will tell if he’s the one to finally break the Trophy Curse.
An Unfinished Legacy
You’d find RCB’s captaincy history to be a blend of legends, flair, and unrealized potential. With legends such as 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 next chapter bring glory to the red and gold?
Written by RITESH SINGH
