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RCB is a franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from Bangalore which formed in 2008. United Spirits, a part of Diageo owns it. They play their home games at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Famous players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have played for RCB, making them very popular. Even though they have not won an IPL title yet. Captains of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the history of IPL played an important role in matches.
List of the captains of RCB
1. Rahul Dravid
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Rahul Dravid was the first captain of RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore). Rahul Dravid captained RCB in the first IPL season which was Delhi Daredevils 2008. They finished seventh and missed the playoffs. Dravid got criticism as well as praise from fans. He had a very calm nature and was different from the usual T20 excitement. He scored well, but his cautious style did not match T20’s fast pace. RCB lacked in bowling, and finding the right team mix was tough. They did not lift the trophy but Dravid as captain taught him and the team.
2. Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen was the captain of RCB in 2009 for a short time. He brought an energetic captaincy as he pushed for bold batting and creative strategies. Pietersen used to open up with himself and Dilshan. He led the team with all his efforts even after not being successful. His powerful batting, like scoring 37 runs in 25 balls against Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals has motivated his teammates. Although RCB did not win much under him, His captaincy is known for now under Virat Kohli.
3. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble became the captain of RCB for the rest of 2009 after Pieterson and IPL 2010. His experience and smart strategies were praised. Kumble was a fantastic leg-spinner who made bowling changes and led RCB to important wins like the one against Chennai Super Kings in 2009. His strict captaincy clashed with some players’ free-spirited style. RCB faced issues with a consistent batting order and injuries to key players. Even after, Kumble has remarkable bowling, like taking 5 wickets for 5 runs against Rajasthan Royals in 2009 shows his determined attitude.
4. Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori was the captain of RCB from 2011 to 2012. He was one of the best and smart left-arm spinner. His big achievement was leading RCB to the 2011 IPL final, where they missed winning. Vettori made the best bowling decisions and used a mix of bowlers well. However, RCB’s batting even after having Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli was not so good on the field. Few of the cricketers were not into his way of dealing on the field, especially after the controversial 2009 Oval incident.
5. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of the most successful batters in the world. He broke the record of most centuries legend Sachin Tendulkar and also he hit three centuries in the latest 2023 ODI World Cup. Kohli captained RCB for nine years from 2013- 2021. Kohli’s leadership and batting motivated players like AB de Villiers and Yuzvendra Chahal. Even after reaching the final three times, RCB could not win the IPL trophy under his guidance. Kohli struggled with rotating the strike and expected too much from certain bowlers. And then he stepped down from the captaincy position and continued playing as a cricketer.
6. Shane Watson
Shane Watson became the captain of RCB in IPL 2017 for a short period, as the replacement for Virat Kohli due to injury. He led the Rajasthan Royals, so guiding skill he had for a long time and he implied it also in Royal Challengers Bangalore on both off and on the field. In his four outings as a captain RCB won only two of them which had a poor impact on RCB. But in the place of Kohli, Watson gave his efforts to lead his team.
7. Faf Du Plessis
Faf Du Plessis became the captain of RCB in 2022 and leading further, he is the current captain of RCB trying hard to win the season of IPL. He was bought by RCB in 2022 and further after he became the captain as the former captain passed the position to him. Faf as a captain plays an important role, he scores good runs and centuries on the field and guides his teammates in the same way. RCB may lift the trophy in IPL 2024.
Conclusion
The captains of Royal Challengers Bangalore are Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pietersen, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, and Shane Watson, and currently, it is led by one of the best cricketers Faf Du Plessis. The IPL 2024 trophy may be lifted by Royal Challengers Banglore.
