IPL 2025: 3 Potential Captaincy Picks for RCB in Mega Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained just three players during the retention deadline day on 31st October. Former skipper Virat Kohli was their top pick for INR 21 Crores, while Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal were the other retained players. It was a huge move for one of the most loved and supported IPL sides across the world. 

Veteran South African star and skipper for the last few seasons Faf Du Plessis was also released. Australian star Glenn Maxwell was also let go as this ended the KGF trio, as fondly named by the fans. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have INR 83 crores left in the bank ahead of the IPL 2025 auctions. 

One of the key decisions that the RCB management has to take is regarding a new captain. It is going to be a crucial season for the Bengaluru-based side as they are yet to win the IPL title. Faf Du Plessis was given the captaincy role by the RCB management but the South African couldn’t help the team in bringing the title home. 

Also read: IPL 2025: Teams that Could Break the Bank to Buy Stars Who Could Lead the Side

Here are the 3 potential captaincy picks for RCB in the mega auction 

3- Rishabh Pant

Former Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant could be one of the possible captains for RCB. The 27-year-old was released by Delhi Capitals on Thursday and this move was expected across the cricketing circles. Rishabh Pant could be one of the RCB captaincy choices if he gets picked during the IPL 2025 mega auctions. Rishabh Pant has done reasonably well as the skipper for Delhi Capitals and nearly led them to playoffs in 2024. The 27-year-old can be a good choice for captaincy as far as RCB is concerned. 

2- Shreyas Iyer 

One of the best Indian IPL captains in the current era has been Shreyas Iyer. The 29-year-old played a key role as the captain for Kolkata Knight Riders this year. Shreyas Iyer’s leadership saw KKR win their third IPL title which came after 10 years. Royal Challengers Bengaluru would love to have Shreyas Iyer in their team ahead of the IPL 2025 season. The 29-year-old could be a great choice for captain for RCB with his year of experience. Shreyas Iyer could finally be the man who could end the trophy drought for RCB that their fans have yearned for. 

1- KL Rahul 

IPL 2025 mega auctions could witness the epic return of local lad KL Rahul back to the RCB fold. The 32-year-old parted ways with Lucknow Super Giants after three years with the side. KL Rahul has already led Lucknow and Punjab Kings and this will be the key for Bengaluru. The 32-year-old can be a great possible captain for RCB during the IPL 2025 season. KL Rahul has timed and again been touted with a return to Bengaluru and hopefully lead them to their maiden IPL title in 2025. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1- Who are the top candidates for RCB captaincy in IPL 2025?

As per reports, there are chances that Virat Kohli could be keen to take back the leadership role. In the event of Kohli not being given the leadership role, the team will look to go big during the IPL Auctions and buy a player with captaincy experience. 

2- Why did RCB release Faf du Plessis?

Faf Du Plessis was a key player for Bengaluru after his arrival from Chennai Super Kings. The former South African skipper took over the leadership role and was expected to win the title. It wasn’t possible as RCB reached two playoffs in the 2022 and 2024 seasons and was knocked out in the group phase in 2023. Faf Du Plessis led the side in 41 games and lost 20 matches while winning 21 games. 

3- What impact could new leadership have on RCB's performance?

The immediate impact any new leadership during the IPL 2025 season for RCB can make is with the title. For many years, RCB has had a plethora of stars with international pedigrees who haven’t been able to win the title. The new leadership will also expected the retained stars to come good and move in sync with the direction of the team. One of the key roles of the new leadership will be to build a team that can compete for titles every year. 

Also Read:IPL 2025 Auction: Top 5 Target Players for RCB