Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has achieved a historic moment by naming Rajat Patidar as the new captain for the 2025 IPL season. The decision essentially marks the beginning of a new chapter in RCB’s quest to secure their first-ever IPL title.

Meet Rajat Patidar – The New Captain

After making his debut in first-class cricket for Madhya Pradesh in 2015, Rajat Patidar has risen to the position that a captain should have. After consistently performing well in domestic cricket, his carrot-eating ability was seen in the last match when he was the captain of Madhya Pradesh who won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by scoring 428 runs in ten matches across the tournament.

Patidar has been associated with RCB since 2021. He really proved his worth in the 2022 season. Coming into the tie against Lucknow Super Giants, he played brilliantly and scored an unbeaten 112 runs off 54 balls. It was a remarkable display of his batting prowess and ability to perform well even in tough times.

Leadership change

Patidar’s appointment comes soon after RCB decided not to retain former captain Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis was with the team for the 2022-2024 seasons but was released ahead of the 2025 season. This cleared the way for a new captain to emerge.

There was a lot of speculation about whether Kohli would take over the captaincy again. Kohli, who led RCB from 2013 to 2021, remains a mainstay of the team. The management’s choice of Patidar as captain indicates a more encouraging approach towards young leadership within the team.

Support for Kohli

After the announcement, Kohli expressed his full support to the new captain. In a message to Patidar, Kohli said, “Rajat, I want to congratulate you. The way you have grown in this franchise and made a place in the hearts of RCB fans across India is truly commendable. You deserve it. I tell you that I and all the other players will always stand behind you in this new phase.”

Looking Ahead: RCB’s Prospects in IPL 2025

RCB under Patidar’s leadership are looking to integrate experience and youth; players like Kohli and emerging talents make for a balanced unit.

The change in leadership will bring in new ideas with regards to strategy and team dynamics. It seems fans and analysts are keen to see ahead of the season how Patidar’s captaincy will impact RCB’s performance in the upcoming season.

Rajat Patidar has recently been handed the reins for IPL 2025, which marks the start of a new era for RCB. The fact that the man has come a long way from domestic cricket to leading one of the most popular franchises in the IPL is proof enough of his talent and determination. The cricketing fraternity will be watching closely to see how this change in leadership impacts RCB’s quest for their maiden IPL trophy.

Here’s the Video to Rajat Patidar’s official announcement:

The Dallas Mavericks moved 25-year-old superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, causing a stir in the NBA. In return, the Mavericks received Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick. This blockbuster trade also involves the Utah Jazz, who receive Jalen Hood-Schifino and two second-round picks to balance the deal.

The deal was kept a closely guarded secret, so that even big names like LeBron James and Anthony Davis only found out after it was finalized. LeBron was shocked when the news broke while he was out for dinner with his family.

Mavericks general manager, Nico Harrison, explained the reasoning behind the move in detail, highlighting a tactical shift toward defense. He told, “I believe defense wins championships.” This approach is appropriate in light of the acquisition of Davis, who is a three-time NBA blocks leader and known for his defensive ability.

The financial consequences include Luka Doncic’s potential fifth-year super-max deal extension with the Mavericks, currently worth $345 million. Dallas’ decision to part ways with its star was driven by concerns about his conditioning and the significant financial commitment required. Doncic’s move to Los Angeles no longer makes him a super-max candidate, which could result in him losing perhaps $115 million. He would have to renegotiate a new deal with the Lakers in the summer to recoup the financial loss.

In addition to changing the rosters of the participating Teams, the move will have far-reaching repercussions for the NBA’s Western Conference. Doncic now joins LeBron James in LA, forming a superstar duo, while Anthony Davis’ transfer to Dallas aims to bolster their defense. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how these seismic developments integrate into the clubs’ operations and the overall league tapestry.

India’s U-19 Women’s Cricket Team won their second consecutive ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup title with a stellar performance in the final in Kuala Lumpur. South Africa were set a target of 110 runs, which India chased down with ease and won by nine wickets.

South Africa batted first but could not hold their own against the Indian bowling attack and managed a modest score. India lost just one wicket in the chase. Gongadi Trisha scored an unbeaten 44 while Sanika Chalake scored an unbeaten 26.

This win is not only a testament to the depth of talent in India’s cricket pipeline, but also reflects their dominance in women’s youth cricket. The team performed consistently well throughout the tournament and displayed a mix of tactical prowess to match their on-field performance.

The BCCI joins cricket enthusiasts across the country in congratulating the youth team on winning their second consecutive World Cup title. This win is a huge encouragement for all the aspiring cricketers and will raise the platform of women’s cricket in India.

For a detailed match summary and post-match reactions, you can watch the following video: