IPL 2025: Royal Challenger's Bengaluru (RCB) star, Rajat Patidar is ready to take the captaincy duties of the Indian Premier League (IPL) side if an opportunity comes in the upcoming 2025 edition.

Since RCB parted ways with Faf du Plessis, discussions have been rife about who will take over the captaincy.

While Virat Kohli, a former long-time leader of the team, remains a strong contender, 31-year-old Rajat Patidar has also emerged as a potential candidate to lead the side in IPL 2025.

"Yes, definitely. RCB is a big franchise, and I love playing for RCB. So, it (retention) gave me a lot of confidence that they retained me," Patidar told PTI.

"Of course, if I get an opportunity to lead RCB, that is what I am there for, and I will be happy. But it all depends on the franchise," he further added.

From IPL To India Team

Following a stellar domestic season, Rajat earned a call-up to the Indian team but struggled to leave a mark. In six innings against England earlier this year, he could only accumulate 63 runs.

The RCB man also happens to be currently the third-highest run-scorer in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, ranking behind Ajinkya Rahane (432 runs) and Bihar's Sakibul Gani (353 runs). He has accumulated 347 runs across nine matches at an impressive strike rate of 182.63, featuring four half-centuries in the tournament.

SMAT Final

Patidar is currently captaining Madhya Pradesh and has successfully led his team to their maiden appearance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) final. They are set to face Mumbai on Sunday, with Patidar anticipated to play a pivotal role in the high-stakes clash.

"I have learnt a lot out of it. I have enjoyed learning the tactics. I love seeing players and anticipating what they can do," he also reflected on his captaincy responsibilities in SMAT.

IPL 2025

The 2025 edition of the cash-rich league will commence from 14th March and will go on till 25th May.