Captains of RCB: Full IPL Captaincy History 2008-Present

Royal challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is not a regular franchise in Indian premier league (IPL). It is a team that possesses the dreams and interests of millions of fans worldwide. RCB has experienced its ups and downs over 17 years of IPL history. Captains of RCB have been the primary focus of the franchise. All leaders have made their own impact and defined the performance and relationship with fans in the team.

Being a captain of RCB is not a simple matter. Being a top super star among the pressure of fans and management requires the ability, patience, and mental fortitude. The following is a closer view of the list of RCB captains and their contributions between 2008 and present.

Rahul Dravid – The First Captain of RCB

Rahul Dravid was the legendary first captain. Dravid was referred to as the wall of Indian cricket and he headed the team in 2008.

RCB did not perform well in the first season as it won only 4 games out of 14 and ended up being ranked 7th in the points table. Although the outcome was poor, Dravid was respected by his devotion and his sporting spirit. Many fans often ask, who is the first captain of RCB. The answer is Rahul Dravid, who set the tone for future captains of RCB.

Kevin Pietersen – The Aggressive Skipper

In IPL 2009, Kevin Pietersen was second among the captains of RCB after the team had a rough beginning in the first season of IPL. His mentality of aggressiveness in English cricket was not similar to the quiet manner of Dravid.

Pietersen was in charge of six games which he won two and lost four. His experience was limited owing to the nature of approach by the team which was not fully aligned with his style. Even so, Pietersen showed that RCB was willing to experiment to find the right leader.

Anil Kumble – Leading RCB to Its First IPL Final

One of the most successful captains of RCB was Anil Kumble. He took over in 2009 after Pietersen was dropped. Under Kumble, RCB reached its first IPL final, though they lost to Deccan Chargers.

Kumble continued as captain of RCB in 2010. He led the team in 35 matches, winning 19. Kumble was liked because of his tactical ability and the ability to unite the team. His service is considered to be one of the most admired in the ranks of captains of RCB.

Daniel Vettori – The Kiwi Strategist

Daniel Vettori was appointed as the captain of RCB after Kumble in 2011 and 2012. Having a reputation of being calm and strategic, Vettori managed RCB in 28 matches and won 15.

RCB made it to the IPL final under his leadership in 2011 but failed in 2012, placing fifth. The leadership of Vettori demonstrated that an objective and strategic approach to work could lead RCB out of difficult situations. He is a key player among the captains of RCB.

Virat Kohli – The Record-Breaking Skipper

Virat Kohli is one of the most iconic and successful captains of RCB. He officially became the full-time captain of RCB in 2013 and led the team in 143 matches, winning 66, losing 70, and tying 7.

Under Virat’s leadership, RCB reached new heights. He built a global fan base and transformed the franchise into a favorite among cricket lovers. His leadership style was both aggressive and inspiring. Despite being a legend among the captains of RCB and providing a lot of energy and spirit to the team, Virat Kohli, as captain, never won an IPL title on behalf of the franchise. Rajat Patidar is the one who brought RCB to glory in 2025, earning their first IPL trophy, and Kohli got so emotional about this historic moment. Most fans have always wondered who is captain of RCB at various times of the year, particularly during the periods when the club experiences change in leadership.

Shane Watson – The Stand-In Skipper

Shane Watson was the vice captain of RCB but stepped in as captain of RCB in 2017 when Virat was injured. He was in charge of three matches where two were lost and one was won.

Despite his short term captaincy, Watson was a productive player, scoring 250 and taking 25 wickets. His stint demonstrated that even acting leaders could make a difference.

Faf Du Plessis – Modern Leadership

After Virat Kohli stepped down, Faf Du Plessis became the captain of RCB 2022. He led the franchise from 2022 to 2024, playing 42 matches and winning 21.

Faf successfully took RCB to the playoffs twice. He was also the captain of RCB in IPL 2022. 

He was also the captain of RCB in 2023. His strategy of developing a unified and competitive team was appreciated by the fans.

The question of who will be the captain of RCB in 2022 is a question that many fans recall when Faf replaced Virat after his captainship.

Rajat Patidar – The IPL Winning Captain

Rajat Patidar is the new captain of RCB, whose appointment took place in 2025 (1). His first season in charge saw him take the team to the qualifiers where RCB was among the top two in the points table.

People had long been wondering who is the captain of RCB in 2025, how the franchise will do under new management and now Patidar has set the record straight. Likewise to the individuals who were wondering who will be the captain of RCB in 2025, Patidar took on the responsibility emphatically. 

In 2025,  the first time in its history and Rajat Patidar ended the 18-year drought bringing all RCB fans the much-desired dream. Under the new leadership of RCB, Patidar is guiding the team of RCB into a new era. To achieve long-term success, his leadership is going to be dynamic and seasoned.

Amit Mishra’s Take

Being a close follower of RCB, I believe there is more to the story regarding the captains of RCB than just numbers. It is passion, perseverance and motivating a team when under pressure. It has been inspirational to see great legends such as Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Virat Kohli (2). As an individual, I look forward to finding out who is the current captain of RCB is and who is shaping the future. 

Rajat Patidar is one of the new captains of RCB and he has much to achieve, yet his first season is promising. The experience of these leaders with RCB makes me remember that IPL is not only about cricket. It concerns leadership, strategy and team spirit.

To every fan, the list of captains of RCB will always remind them of the legendary moments and the promise that the next captain will put the franchise to greater heights.

FAQs

Reference

1. EspnCricinfo 2025
2. IPL Player Profile