Who is the RCB Captain in 2025? – A Detailed Summary

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB Captain in 2025), one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has undergone several leadership transitions since its inception in 2008. In IPL 2025, the team has once again turned a new chapter in its leadership story, with Faf du Plessis continuing as the captain of the side, backed by a strong leadership group and an experienced core of players.

Introduction to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bangalore, based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has been one of the most followed and loved IPL franchises, largely due to the presence of cricketing superstars such as Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and now Faf du Plessis. Despite its massive fan base and strong squads over the years, RCB is yet to win an IPL title as of 2025, which adds to the drama and emotional investment of fans each season.

RCB’s leadership has seen several changes over the years:

Rahul Dravid (2008)
Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, and Daniel Vettori in early years
Virat Kohli (2013–2021) – the longest-serving captain
Faf du Plessis (2022–present)

The Captain of RCB in 2025: Faf du Plessis

Background and Appointment

Faf du Plessis, the former South African skipper and a seasoned IPL campaigner, was bought by RCB in the 2022 auction and immediately handed the captaincy. His appointment marked the end of the Virat Kohli captaincy era, who stepped down after the 2021 season.

Du Plessis was seen as a calm and composed leader, someone who brings tactical acumen, international experience, and a solid presence at the top of the order. His leadership has been credited with maintaining stability in the RCB camp while allowing younger players to flourish.

In 2025, despite being 40 years old, Faf is still fit and actively contributing with the bat. His leadership has helped maintain continuity while also mentoring the next generation of potential leaders in the RCB dressing room, such as Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, and Cameron Green.

Faf du Plessis: Leadership Style and Impact

Faf’s leadership style contrasts sharply with his predecessor, Virat Kohli. While Kohli was known for his passionate, aggressive demeanor, Faf operates with a calm, tactical, and team-first mindset.

1. Calm Under Pressure

Faf is rarely flustered on the field, even during high-pressure moments. This quality has helped RCB perform better in crunch situations, especially during tight chases or death-overs bowling.

2. Strategic Thinker

His field placements and bowling changes are often praised by commentators and analysts. Having led South Africa across formats, Faf understands the nuances of T20 strategy – when to hold back a key bowler, when to attack with spin, or when to shuffle the batting order.

3. Player Management

Faf is respected by the players for his open communication and encouragement. Youngsters like Rajat Patidar, Suyash Prabhudessai, and Mahipal Lomror have publicly credited him for backing them in tough times.

RCB’s Performance Under Faf du Plessis (2022–2025)

Faf took over in 2022 and immediately brought some stability to the side. Here’s a quick look at RCB’s recent campaigns under him:

2022 IPL

League Stage: 4th place
Playoffs: Lost in Qualifier 2
Key Players: Faf, Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Harshal Patel

2023 IPL

League Stage: 6th place
Missed playoffs narrowly
Injuries and inconsistent middle-order cost them a spot

2024 IPL

League Stage: 3rd place
Playoffs: Eliminated in Eliminator
Cameron Green was a major addition
Kohli returned to form with back-to-back fifties

IPL 2025 (Ongoing/Recent)

RCB started strong with a balanced squad
The top-order trio of Faf, Kohli, and Maxwell clicked well
Bowling led by Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, and Mayank Dagar
Still aiming for their first title, but showing promising signs under Faf

Support Leadership Core

While Faf remains the official captain, RCB has a strong leadership group:

1. Virat Kohli – The Former Captain

Although no longer skipper, Kohli continues to be a key advisor and emotional leader. His presence in team huddles and on-field discussions is prominent.

2. Glenn Maxwell – Vice-Captain Potential

Maxwell has often led in Faf’s absence and brings a bold, aggressive brand of cricket. He complements Faf’s calmness well and is seen as a natural successor.

3. Cameron Green

The Australian all-rounder, bought for a hefty sum in 2024, has leadership aspirations and is being groomed for a future role, possibly even captaincy if Faf retires.

Youth Development Under Faf’s Captaincy

One of Faf’s biggest contributions has been in developing young Indian talent:

Rajat Patidar – A solid middle-order bat who shone in the 2022 playoffs
Anuj Rawat – Groomed as a wicketkeeper-batsman
Akash Deep and Vyshak Vijaykumar – Emerging pacers getting regular chances
Manoj Bhandage – A pace-bowling all-rounder being tested in the lower middle order

These young players have benefitted from Faf’s mentorship and exposure to high-pressure matches.

Fan Reception and Brand Presence

RCB is a fan-driven franchise. The Chinnaswamy crowd, often referred to as the “12th man,” has wholeheartedly embraced Faf as their captain. Although fans still chant for “Kohli, Kohli,” Faf has earned his place in RCB’s heart through performance and humility.

Off the field, Faf is active in brand promotions, social media, and team bonding activities. His fitness and energy inspire many younger cricketers and fans alike.

Captaincy Challenges Faced

1. Aging Squad

Faf, Kohli, and Maxwell are all above 35. Balancing experience with youth has been a big task.

2. Bowling Consistency

RCB’s bowling has historically been their weak link. Under Faf, while things have improved, the team still struggles in death overs.

3. Injury Management

RCB has suffered key injuries each season – from Josh Hazlewood to Patidar – forcing Faf to constantly rejig playing XIs.

4. Trophy Pressure

Despite strong seasons, the elusive IPL trophy still haunts the team. As captain, Faf shoulders that pressure in every game.

The Future After Faf?

At 40, retirement from IPL is a possibility in the near future. RCB’s management is likely already preparing for succession. Potential future captains include:

Glenn Maxwell

Bold and experienced
Proven leader in BBL and internationally
But injury-prone and inconsistent at times

Cameron Green

Young and versatile
Long-term investment
Still learning the T20 captaincy ropes

Rajat Patidar (dark horse)

Indian, calm, and composed
Could become a future leader with grooming

It’s clear that while Faf is still captain in 2025, the leadership transition plans are quietly in motion behind the scenes.

Conclusion

To summarize, Faf du Plessis is the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2025, continuing from his appointment in 2022. His leadership has brought stability, maturity, and tactical sharpness to the RCB Captain in 2025 setup. While he may not have won the title yet, his calm demeanor, fitness, and leadership skills have revitalized the team’s approach and performance.

Faf’s influence goes beyond wins and losses—he has mentored a generation of young RCB players, handled the pressure of expectations with grace, and upheld the legacy of a team still chasing their dream of an IPL title.

As RCB fans chant “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year the cup is ours) again in 2025, Faf du Plessis stands tall at the helm, leading from the front with hope, passion, and resilience.