India's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise is facing a crucial decision as it prepares for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. The question on everyone's mind is: who will take over the captaincy? This question has gained momentum after the IPL 2025 mega auction, where RCB made some notable acquisitions but refrained from aggressively bidding for marquee players who could have been potential captaincy candidates. The auction took place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25, and while big names like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Jos Buttler, and Shreyas Iyer were available, RCB did not pursue these players with the same intensity as some other franchises.
RCB's bidding strategy in the auction surprised many. They were involved in bidding wars for Pant and Rahul, but withdrew once the prices crossed the Rs 10 crore mark, showing restraint in their pursuit of big-ticket players. The team also chose not to bid for Shreyas Iyer, who eventually went to PBKS for a massive Rs 26.75 crore. These decisions have raised questions about RCB's approach to filling the captaincy role, as the franchise had let go of Faf du Plessis ahead of the auction. Du Plessis had taken over as captain in 2022 after Virat Kohli stepped down from the role. However, RCB chose not to exercise the Right to Match (RTM) card when Delhi Capitals acquired him at his base price of Rs 2 crore, signaling that they were ready to move on from Du Plessis' leadership.
RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Babat, made it clear that the team would take its time in deciding the next captain. He stated that the franchise was not in a rush to make a decision and did not want to add fuel to the growing speculations. Babat acknowledged that Virat Kohli, a senior player and a key figure for the team, had offered his feedback regarding the leadership, but the final decision would be made at a later time. Kohli's leadership has always been a subject of much discussion, especially after his tenure with RCB from 2013 to 2021. Under his guidance, RCB reached the playoffs multiple times, including a runners-up finish in 2016, and many fans would love to see him take over the role again. However, the team’s current stance suggests that RCB is exploring all options and could opt for a fresh face in charge.
While Kohli remains the most obvious choice, several players have been linked with the captaincy, each bringing their unique leadership qualities to the table. One of the most intriguing options is Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was acquired for Rs 10.75 crore in the auction. Known for his precision with the ball, particularly during the death overs, Bhuvneshwar is a seasoned pacer with a wealth of experience in international cricket. His leadership credentials are strong, having captained Sunrisers Hyderabad in previous seasons. Bhuvneshwar’s calm demeanor and ability to make calculated decisions under pressure could make him an ideal candidate for the role. His leadership experience, combined with his match-winning abilities with the ball, could be a huge asset for RCB in IPL 2025.
Another strong candidate is Liam Livingstone, the England all-rounder, who was secured by RCB for a significant Rs 8.75 crore. Livingstone is known for his destructive batting and has been a mainstay in England’s white-ball teams in recent years. In addition to his on-field prowess, Livingstone has some leadership experience, having captained England during an ODI series against the West Indies in Jos Buttler’s absence. He also led Lancashire to success in the 2023 Vitality Blast, which further strengthens his case as a potential leader. Given his ability to perform under pressure and his aggressive brand of cricket, Livingstone could be an exciting option for RCB’s captaincy.
Jitesh Sharma, who was acquired for Rs 11 crore, could also be in the running for the role, though he is a more unconventional choice. Jitesh has already proven himself as a valuable finisher for PBKS and has been named vice-captain for the 2024 season. While he doesn't have much captaincy experience at the IPL level, RCB could look at him as an option, especially considering the franchise’s inclination towards selecting Indian players as captains. Jitesh’s leadership qualities, particularly in tight situations, and his ability to perform under pressure could make him a surprise contender for the role.
Krunal Pandya, the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder is another potential candidate. Krunal has shown strong leadership capabilities during his stints with both Mumbai and Lucknow, including captaining Lucknow to three wins in six matches in IPL 2023. His experience as the captain of Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he has led the team to impressive victories, adds to his credentials. Krunal’s all-round skills, combined with his leadership abilities, make him a strong contender for the role of RCB’s captain, especially with the team’s need for a composed leader who can guide the squad through pressure situations.
Phil Salt, an explosive opener from England, could be an unexpected but intriguing choice for RCB’s captaincy. Salt was bought by the franchise for Rs 11.75 crore, and although he may not have significant captaincy experience at the IPL level, he recently captained England in a T20I series against Australia. His aggressive batting style and leadership debut in international cricket might encourage RCB to consider him as an option, particularly if they believe he can lead from the front with his batting and inspire the team to play fearless cricket.
While RCB did not acquire a clear-cut captaincy contender in the auction, the team has several strong leadership candidates. The decision will likely come down to how each player’s skills and leadership qualities align with the team’s needs. With such a diverse pool of options, RCB is in a unique position to choose a leader who not only brings experience but also a fresh approach to the IPL 2025 season. The coming weeks will be crucial as the franchise weighs its options, and the announcement of the new captain will be eagerly awaited by RCB fans, who have seen many changes over the years but remain hopeful for a successful season ahead.
