Full list of RCB captains in the IPL

RCB are yet to win the IPL.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have one of the most loyal fan bases in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite not winning the IPL so far, the franchise enjoys unwavering support across the country, especially in Bengaluru.

Throughout their history, the franchise has tried various players in the leadership role. While they have qualified for the playoffs multiple times, they came extremely close to winning the title in 2009, 2011, and 2016, reaching the finals of the competition.

So far, seven players have led the RCB in the IPL. On that note, let’s take a look at the list of RCB captains in the IPL.

Full list of RCB captains in the IPL:

1. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid was RCB’s first captain in the IPL, leading the team in the 2008 season. Under his leadership, RCB won just four out of 14 games, finishing seventh in the points table.

RCB’s poor performance that season meant his tenure lasted only one year.

2. Kevin Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen took the charge of the franchise post Rahul Dravid in the 2009 season. His captaincy stint lasted only six games, in which the team won two games and lost four.

Unfortunately, Pietersen’s aggressive mindset did not yield results for the franchise and his stint was cut short mid season.

3. Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble replaced Pietersen midway through the 2009 season and completely turned things around for RCB, leading them to the final, where they lost to Deccan Chargers by six runs.

He then led them in the 2010 season, where they finished fourth in the league stage and lost to Mumbai Indians in the semi-finals. Overall, Kumble led the franchise in 35 games, winning 19 and losing 16, with a win-loss ratio of 1.187.

4. Daniel Vettori

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori became RCB’s fourth captain in the IPL. He led the team in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, winning 15 out of 28 games with a win-loss ratio of 1.153.

RCB reached the final of the 2011 IPL season, where they lost to Chennai Super Kings by 58 runs. The 2012 season, however, was less successful, as they failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing fifth in the league stage.

5. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli holds the record for leading RCB in the most IPL games. He first captained the team in 2011 in Vettori’s absence and was appointed as the full-time captain in the 2013 season.

Kohli led RCB in 143 games, winning 66 and losing on 70 occasions. The franchise reached the final under his leadership in the 2016 season, but lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight runs.

He stepped down as the captain of the franchise after the IPL 2021 season.

6. Shane Watson

Shane Watson captained RCB in three games during the 2017 IPL season in Virat Kohli’s absence, winning one and losing two games.

Watson had a forgettable stint with RCB, scoring just 250 runs and taking 25 wickets in 24 games across two seasons. His move to Chennai Super Kings in 2018 revived his IPL career.

7. Faf Du Plessis

Faf du Plessis joined RCB in 2022 and was immediately named captain of the franchise. He took over from Virat Kohli and led the team to Qualifier 2 in his first season.

Faf led RCB from 2022 to 2024, winning 21 out of 42 games with a win-loss ratio of 1. Under his leadership, the team finished sixth in 2023 and made it to the playoffs in 2024, where they lost the Eliminator to Rajasthan Royals.

8. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar has been announced as RCB’s eighth captain. He joined the franchise in 2021 and has so far scored 799 runs in 27 games at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 159 for the side.

Patidar has previously captained Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket. He made his international debut in December 2023 in an ODI against South Africa in Paarl.

(List and all stats updated till 13th February 2025)

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