RCB's Promising Start Under Rajat Patidar in IPL 2025

RCB's Strong Performance in IPL 2025

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 8: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with remarkable success under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. Their victories against formidable teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Mumbai Indians (MI) have garnered significant attention within the cricket community.

Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary figure in Indian cricket and an expert on JioStar, recently praised Patidar for his composed leadership style and the positive atmosphere he has fostered within the team.

“He appears to be thriving in his role as captain, supported by a strong team,” Gavaskar remarked on JioHotstar.

“He benefits from the experience of senior players who are eager to assist, along with a capable support staff. Dinesh Karthik, in particular, plays a crucial role, often mentoring younger players even on less favorable days,” he added.

In his inaugural season as RCB captain, Patidar has demonstrated impressive maturity and has made significant contributions with the bat, amassing 161 runs across four matches, including two half-centuries. His steady and strategic batting has provided essential stability to the RCB lineup.

His calm yet effective leadership has instilled a sense of direction and tranquility in a team that has long sought its first IPL title.

“Rajat is fortunate to lead a group that is eager for success. After 17 years without a championship, they now recognize what it takes to win. With a relaxed captain at the helm, others are stepping up to support the team’s progress,” Gavaskar noted.

With momentum on their side and experienced players like Dinesh Karthik backing the young captain, RCB fans are beginning to hope that this could be their year.

As the season progresses, early indications suggest a promising chapter in RCB's history, potentially unfolding under Rajat Patidar's guidance.

In the recent match, MI won the toss and chose to field first.

Despite an early exit for Phil Salt, Virat Kohli (67 runs off 42 balls, including eight fours and two sixes) and Devdutt Padikkal (37 runs off 22 balls, with two fours and three sixes) made MI regret their decision with a dynamic 91-run partnership. Following their dismissal, captain Rajat Patidar (64 runs off 32 balls, featuring five fours and four sixes) and Jitesh Sharma (40* off 19 balls, with two fours and four sixes) ensured the run rate remained high, leading RCB to a total of 221/5.

MI's Hardik Pandya (2/45) and Trent Boult (2/57) took two wickets each but conceded many runs, while Vignesh Puthur also claimed a wicket. Jasprit Bumrah returned with figures of 0/29 in four overs.

During MI's chase, they found themselves at 99/4 after 12 overs, but a thrilling 89-run partnership between Tilak Varma (56 runs off 29 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) and Hardik Pandya (42 runs off 15 balls, with three fours and four sixes) posed a significant threat to RCB.

However, Krunal (4/45), Josh Hazlewood (2/37), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/48) took crucial wickets at pivotal moments, securing a 12-run victory for RCB. Currently, RCB sits in third place with three wins and one loss in four matches, all three victories achieved away from home. Meanwhile, MI has managed only one win out of five games, placing them in eighth position.