RCB Captain: Legacy And Leadership

RCB has had some amazing captains [Source: @Trend_VKohli/x.com]

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have always been the team that grabs eyeballs. Be it their star players, stunning performances, or the heartbreak of falling short of the IPL trophy, RCB well and truly knows how to leave the crowd and their fans fascinated.

Over the years, the Bangalore based franchise have had quite a few captains, who have brought their own flavour to the leadership role. Let’s break down their records and see how each RCB captain has contributed to its success.

History of RCB Captains

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Iconic Captains of RCB

Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble [Source: @RCBTweets/x.com]

Anil Kumble walked into the captaincy role when RCB was struggling. It was 2009, and things weren’t looking good after Kevin Pietersen left mid-season. Kumble took charge, and suddenly the team looked different. Under him, RCB made it to their first-ever IPL final, though they lost to the Deccan Chargers.

Kumble wasn’t just a great bowler; he was a natural leader. His calm but commanding presence gave the team the belief they needed. In 2010, he took them to the playoffs again. With a solid win rate of 54.28%, Kumble is still one of RCB’s most successful captains.

Daniel Vettori

Daniel Vettori [Source: @IPL/x.com]

Daniel Vettori doesn’t get talked about enough, but his time as RCB captain was exceptional. He led the team in 2011 and 2012, with his best season coming in 2011 when RCB reached the final. Unfortunately, they lost to Chennai Super Kings, but Vettori’s strategies stood out.

Vettori made some bold calls, especially with field placements and bowling changes. His ability to read the game was top-notch, which makes him one of RCB’s smarter captains.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

When you think of RCB, you think of Virat Kohli. He’s been with the team since the beginning and led them for more than a decade. Kohli’s passion for RCB is unmatched. In 2016, he had a season for the ages—smashing 973 runs, including four centuries. That year, RCB made it to the finals, but heartbreak struck again as they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Kohli’s leadership style is extremely aggressive. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and his hunger to win rubs off on the team. Sure, there were ups and downs during his captaincy tenure, but Kohli’s loyalty to RCB never shaken. Even without a trophy, he remains the face of the franchise and an absolute fan favourite.

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

After Kohli relinquished captaincy, RCB passed the mantle over to Faf du Plessis in 2024 and it felt like a new chapter for the team chasing their maiden title. The Protean veteran brought his calm approach and incredible experience to the table. His debut season saw RCB make the playoffs but the follwing seasn, they finished a lowly 6th.

What set Faf apart is his ability to stay calm under pressure. He backed youngsters, shuffled the batting order smartly, and wasn’t afraid to take risks. His captaincy was steady with a balanced win-loss record. However, after making it to the playoffs in 2024, RCB decided to ring in another new chapter and are likely to bring back Kohli at the helm.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q.1. Who will be the new captain of RCB?

Answer: It’s almost confirmed that Virat Kohli will return as RCB captain for IPL 2025. Fans are thrilled because Kohli’s passion for RCB is unmatched. He knows the team inside out, and everyone’s hoping he can finally bring the trophy home in his second stint as captain.

Q.2. Who are the 7 captains of RCB?

Answer: Here’s the list of 7 captains of RCB over the years: Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis.

Q.3. Is Virat Kohli captain of RCB in 2025?

Answer: Yes, reports suggest that Kohli is taking over as RCB captain in 2025. It’s a big moment for RCB fans, who believe that his return could change the team’s fortunes.

Q.4. How much did RCB pay for Kohli?

Answer: Virat Kohli was retained by RCB for ₹21 crore, which makes him one of the highest-paid players in the IPL. This just shows how valuable he is to the franchise.

Q.5. How rich is RCB?

Answer: RCB is worth around $69.8 million. That’s huge, considering they haven’t won the IPL yet. Their massive fanbase and brand loyalty make them one of the most valuable teams in the league.

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