The Future Leadership of Royal Challengers Bangalore
Introduction: The Leadership Saga of RCB
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most popular and emotionally followed franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite having some of the biggest stars in world cricket—such as Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle—RCB has often struggled with inconsistency, particularly in terms of leadership stability and strategic direction.
RCB’s captaincy journey has seen various turns—from Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble in the early seasons to the long reign of Virat Kohli (2013–2021) and the transitional phase under Faf du Plessis. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds and Faf du Plessis nears the twilight of his career, one burning question arises:
“Who is the next captain of RCB?”
Who is the next captain of RCB?
This article explores RCB’s leadership history, Faf’s legacy, future captaincy contenders, internal and external options, and what it takes to lead this passionate franchise into the future.
Faf du Plessis: The Current Torchbearer
🏏 Tenure: 2022 – Present
🔥 Highlights:
Transformed RCB’s culture with discipline and clarity.
Built strong partnerships with Kohli and Maxwell.
Took RCB to playoffs in 2022.
Strong personal form: over 700+ runs in IPL 2023.
Though Faf remains effective, he is 40 years old in 2025 and may step down soon. RCB will need a successor who can handle pressure, manage egos, and align with the franchise’s long-term vision.
Before choosing a successor, let’s define what RCB needs:
Tactical Intelligence – Read the game, adjust to match situations.
Man-Management – Handle big stars and young guns.
Consistency with Bat or Ball – Lead from the front.
Good Rapport with Coaches – Work closely with support staff.
Stability and Long-Term Planning – Build a legacy like Dhoni or Rohit.
Top Internal Contenders for Next RCB Captain
🔴 1. Virat Kohli (Comeback Captain?)
Pros:
Former captain (2013–2021), 140+ matches.
Most runs in IPL history.
Charismatic leader with global appeal.
Cons:
Stepped down voluntarily due to mental fatigue.
May not want captaincy pressure again.
Verdict: Kohli remains the soul of RCB, but a captaincy return is unlikely unless in a short-term emergency or transitional phase.
🔴 2. Glenn Maxwell – The Dynamic Aussie
Pros:
Vice-captain in Faf’s absence.
Match-winner with both bat and ball.
Good man-manager and motivator.
Cons:
Injury-prone and inconsistent.
Not a long-term solution at 36+ years.
Verdict: Maxwell could be a 1–2 year stopgap option if Faf retires suddenly, but not a decade-long solution.
🔴 3. Dinesh Karthik – Senior Statesman
Pros:
Vast IPL experience.
Previously captained KKR.
Brilliant finisher and tactician.
Cons:
Retiring after IPL 2025.
Age not on his side (nearly 40).
Verdict: Great mentor and short-term leader, but not in contention post-2025.
🔴 4. Rajat Patidar – The Dark Horse
Pros:
Calm and composed.
Strong technique under pressure.
Indian domestic leadership experience.
Cons:
Inexperienced at IPL leadership level.
Needs time to mature into a captain.
Verdict: A promising long-term captaincy project if groomed properly by RCB.
🔴 5. Anuj Rawat – Future Prospect
Pros:
Wicketkeeper-batter.
Leadership potential seen in U-19 circuits.
Cons:
Yet to cement place in playing XI.
Needs more consistent performances.
Verdict: Rawat is a futuristic bet, not ready for 2025, but could be a contender by 2027–28.
External Players Who Could Be Drafted as Captain
RCB may look outside the squad to bring in a new leader, as franchises like CSK (du Plessis), MI (Rohit), and KKR (Gambhir) have done successfully in the past.
🌟 1. Shreyas Iyer (If Released by KKR)
Pros:
Proven IPL captain.
Calm, strategic, and tactful.
Indian player—eases combinations.
Cons:
Prone to injury.
Currently contracted with KKR.
Verdict: An excellent long-term option if RCB can secure him at auction.
🌟 2. KL Rahul (If LSG Lets Go)
Pros:
Bangalore boy—hometown connect.
Indian, experienced, and in his prime.
Multiple years of captaincy under his belt.
Cons:
Sometimes criticized for passive leadership.
Verdict: Fan-favorite candidate who could lead RCB for 5+ years.
🌟 3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Unlikely, but Ideal Fit)
Pros:
Calm Dhoni-esque presence.
Proven leadership in domestic cricket.
Technical soundness and cricketing acumen.
Cons:
Highly unlikely CSK would release him.
Verdict: Dream candidate, but nearly impossible to acquire.
🌟 4. Hardik Pandya (If MI Drama Continues)
Pros:
Aggressive, no-nonsense leader.
Already won IPL as captain (GT 2022).
Brings all-round value.
Cons:
Controversial move; could upset RCB-Kohli fan base.
Injury concerns.
Verdict: Power-packed leader, but not in sync with RCB’s current culture.
What RCB Management Might Do
🧠 Strategic Possibilities:
Continue with Faf for 1 More Season
Groom successor during IPL 2025.
Transition to Glenn Maxwell as Stopgap
Use 2026–27 to identify a younger long-term captain.
Bid for KL Rahul or Shreyas Iyer at Mega Auction (2026)
Build next generation of RCB around them.
Develop Rajat Patidar or Anuj Rawat
Groom in 2–3 years like DC did with Rishabh Pant.
Fan Sentiment: What the RCB Loyalists Want
RCB fans are known to be one of the most passionate cricket communities. According to fan forums and social media sentiment:
80% prefer an Indian captain.
60% don’t want Kohli to take up captaincy again (to preserve his batting freedom).
Maxwell and Rahul are top favorites among international and domestic fans respectively.
Some fans even suggested Rinku Singh or Tilak Varma as future options if available.
Post-Faf Era: Building the New Core
As Faf nears retirement, RCB will need to:
Retain Kohli as mentor-senior player.
Build around 4–5 players: Patidar, Jacks, Green, Siraj, Karn Sharma.
Invest in Indian leadership talents.
Rebuild bowling depth.
Captaincy is only one part—the entire team needs to evolve for RCB to win their maiden IPL title.
Conclusion: The Captain RCB Needs
So, who is the next captain of RCB? It’s not a simple answer.
If Faf retires in 2025:
Short-term: Maxwell or Kohli (emergency)
Medium-term: Patidar, Rawat, or a trade like Shreyas Iyer
Long-term: An Indian core with stable leadership
RCB’s next captain must be more than just a tactical genius. They must be a motivator, strategist, culture-setter, and performer—someone who can handle the legacy of Kohli and the expectations of millions.
The journey to identify and groom the next leader is as important as winning the trophy itself. Because for RCB, “Ee Sala Cup Namde” is not just a slogan—it’s a dream waiting to be fulfilled.
