Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have named Indian batter Rajat Patidar as their new captain for the IPL 2025 season. Patidar, who was retained by the franchise, has played for the red and gold for the last three seasons.
Although there were rumors of Virat Kohli being the captain of the franchise after they did not retain their former captain Faf du Plessis, who led them from 2022 to 2024.
Patidar led Madhya Pradesh in SMAT and VHT 2024-25
Patidar was the second highest run-getter in SMAT 2024-25. Image | PTI
Patidar, who as one of the three players retained by RCB for IPL 2025, has scored 799 runs in 28 matches at a strike rate of 158.85 since joining the team in 2021. The 31-year-old batter led his state team Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy this season.
During his stint as a full-time captain, Rajat Patidar scored 428 runs in nine innings at an average of 61.14 and strike rate of 186.08 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25.
He was the second highest run-getter of the tournament as well. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 Patidar scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and strike rate of 107.10.
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬! 💌
“Myself and the other team members will be right behind you, Rajat”: Virat Kohli
“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you’ve made a place in the hearts of all RCB fans. This is very well deserved.”… pic.twitter.com/dgjDLm8ZCN
Patidar will be joining an elite group of players like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli, Kevin Pietersen, Shane Watson, Daniel Vettori and Faf du Plessis who have led the franchise in Indian Premier League so far.
Rajat has the simplicity, cares about the people around him, we have closely see how he led Madhya Pradesh, we really liked it," said Andy Flower, the head Coach of RCB.
With the news of Patidar being named the captain of RCB for IPL, only KKR and Delhi Capitals are left to announce their leader for the upcoming season, which will start on March 21.
Rajat Patidar scores a blistering century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between Central Zone and East Zone
Indian batter Rajat Patidar made a stunning comeback to red-ball cricket by scoring a blistering century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between Central Zone and East Zone.
Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to victory in the IPL 2025, scored a brilliant century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between Central Zone and East Zone.
Central Zone is facing North-East Zone in the second quarter final match of Duleep Trophy 2025. In this match, North-East won the toss and decided to bowl first. After this, Central Zone started the innings but the first wicket fell early but then the team captain Rajat Patidar along with Danish Malewar took control of the innings and brought the team to a strong position.
Leading from the front, Patidar scored his 14th first-class century in style, reaching the three-figure mark in just 80 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 125, an innings that included 18 fours and two sixes. His masterclass was the cornerstone of Central Zone's commanding performance against North East Zone, an innings that also featured a century from teammate Danish Malewar.
Dhruv Jurel rules out
Patidar took over as Central Zone's captain after wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel was ruled out of the quarter-final due to a groin niggle.North East Zone won the toss and elected to field. They dismissed CZONE opener Akash Choudhary cheaply in the third over.
However, Danish Malewar and Aryan Juyal steadied the ship with a solid partnership for the second wicket.
Patidar, Malewar break North East Zone's bowling attack
Despite Juyal retiring hurt on 60 runs, Patidar and Malewar maintained Central Zone's dominance over North East Zone's weakened bowling attack. While Malewar took a more cautious approach, Patidar went all out against the opposition bowlers. Central Zone were sitting pretty at 347/1 when Patidar was dismissed by Pheiroijam Jotin. He departed for a 96-ball 125, a knock laced with 21 fours and 3 sixes.
Patidar bounced back in red-ball cricket after a decent 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He ended Royal Challengers Bengaluru's wait for an IPL title, leading them to the coveted trophy. With the bat, he scored 312 runs at a strike rate of 143.77. Coming to his First-Class numbers, Patidar has slammed over 4,800 runs from 69 matches at an average of 43-plus. He owns 14 tons and 24 half-centuries.
The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and a total of 8 teams are to participate in it. But even before the tournament starts, a big change has been made in its schedule.
After the stampede in Bengaluru, the ICC has now decided to shift the matches to be held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the ground in Navi Mumbai, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday.
Matches cancelled in Bengaluru due to RCB stampede case
After 17 years of long wait, RCB team finally won the IPL 2025 title. After this, RCB players gathered at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to celebrate the victory. There was a huge crowd to see them and after this many fans lost their lives due to a stampede.
Then the Karnataka government formed a commission, which declared the Bengaluru ground unsafe for big events. Now after this, the ICC has decided not to hold matches on the Bengaluru ground.
Matches will be held at Navi Mumbai ground
The match between India and Sri Lanka was to be held on 30 September at Bengaluru ground, which will now be played at Guwahati ground. The match between England and South Africa was also scheduled to be held on 3 October, which will now be held in Guwahati. The match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on 20 October was to be played at Colombo ground, which will now be played at Navi Mumbai ground.
On the other hand, Navi Mumbai has got two more matches to be played in Bengaluru. These include India vs New Zealand (23 October) and India vs Bangladesh (26 October). There is also a strong possibility that the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final will be held either in Navi Mumbai or Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Jay Shah expressed satisfaction about the new venue
"Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans. I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years," Jay Shah said in an ICC release.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in the journey of the women’s game. This World Cup has the potential to be remembered as one of those defining milestones that shaped the sport’s future, not only in India but across the cricketing world.
“While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women’s game. The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans.”
Bengal Players in IPL 2025 – Full List & Performance
From Mohammed Shami to the rising talents, discover the full list of Bengal players in IPL 2025 and track down their performance. Let's see how exciting their season have been.
Bengal has a deep-rooted passion for cricket, and the IPL offers a great opportunity to have their local talents compete at the highest level. Several players from Bengal were a part of the exciting IPL 2025 season.
Whether through match-winning spells, consistent contribution, or vital innings, their presence was always prominent in the season. Check out the full list and performance of Bengal Players in IPL 2025 along with their on-field impact.
1. Mohammed Shami (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Mohammed Shami in action for SRH during a match in IPL 2025. Image | Sports Tak
Mohammed Shami has been a long-standing and key figure in Bengal's domestic cricketing landscape. After being ruled out of the previous IPL season (2024) due to an ankle injury, he made a comeback this year as Sunrisers Hyderabad's key pick and second-highest buy for ₹10 crore.
Shami had a somewhat mixed IPL 2025 season and struggled with consistency and his lengths. After his stellar Purple Cap-winning season in 2023, his 2025 campaign saw him take 6 wickets in 9 matches, with an economy of 11.25.
However, Shami continued to prove his excellence by becoming the only bowler in IPL history to claim a first-ball wicket 4 times. He achieved the fourth one by dismissing Shaik Rasheed in the SRH vs CSK match in the 2025 season.
Abishek Porel celebrating his half century in a match in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
Born in Chandannagar, West Bengal, Abishek Porel is a true local and a proud representative of the state. He was retained for ₹4 crore by Delhi Capitals, where he continued to showcase his brilliance as a wicket-keeper batter.
He began this season with a good pace and proved to be vital by accelerating the run flow when needed. He scored 301 runs in 13 matches, which makes him the second-highest scorer for DC this season.
While his form and the team's overall performance had a slight dip towards the latter part of the tournament, his contributions as a top-order batter were undeniable. He proved that he can adapt to different batting positions and do well.
Mukesh Kumar celebrates a wicket in IPL 2025. Image | TOI
Mukesh Kumar is another example of an incredible pacer who plays for Bengal in domestic cricket and has done exceptionally well in the stage of IPL. Following his brilliant 2024 season for DC, he was retained this year for ₹8 crore via RTM (Right to Match).
He proved to be a reliable performer, delivering effective spells in death overs and under pressure. His ability to use variations and bowl yorkers with accuracy made him a key part of the team's bowling unit.
He delivered a standout performance in IPL 2025 against LSG with his 4-wicket haul and great spell, which earned him the POTM award after their victory.
Akash Deep celebrates a wicket for LSG in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Hailing from Bihar, Akash Deep moved to Bengal to pursue cricket and performed well in the domestic field, then later making it to the India 'A' team. In IPL 2025, he was secured by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹8 crore and played 6 matches.
Akash missed some initial games due to a back injury, and later bounced back to showcase a glimpse of his quality and experience as a fast-medium bowler.
There wasn't any particular "game-changing" performance or moment for him this season, but his contributions were a part of LSG's overall bowling efforts.
Akash IPL 2025 stats:
Matches
Balls
Wickets
BBM
Ave
Econ
6
114
3
2/55
76.33
12.05
5. Shahbaz Ahmed (Lucknow Super Giants)
Shahbaz Ahmed in LSG dressing room post-match. Image | Instagram
A keu all-rounder for Bengal's state team, Shahbaz Ahmed was bought for ₹2.4 crore in the mega auction by Lucknow Super Giants. He played a supporting role in IPL 2025 and provided depth in their squad.
He played only 3 matches, where he came out to bat for a single innings and took 1 wicket in the entire season. While the 2025 season did not see any noteworthy performance, his presence in the squad was enough to back then up and bring flexibility as an all-rounder option.
From South Africa's 27-year ICC wait to RCB's IPL triumph after 18 years, this year saw some decades-long trophy droughts coming to an end, which raises a question: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Find out why.
Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.
This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible.
Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."
1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days
South Africa celebrates their WTC 2023-25 Final victory against Australia. Image | Mint
For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.
South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.
This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.
They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.
2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days
RCB lifting the IPL 2025 title after defeating PBKS in the final. Image | NDTV
For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.
The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sportingmoments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.
The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.
3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days
Go Ahead Eagles celebrating their KNVB Cup win after 93 years. Image | Instagram
Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.
Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!
4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days
Bologna lifting the Italian Cup after 51 years in 2025. Image | SportsDesk
Bologna's victory in the Italian Cupafter 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.
Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.
5. Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days
Crystal Palace lifting the FA Cup after victory over Man City in 2025. Image | Sky News
Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup.
The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!
6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days
Newcastle United lifting the League Cup in 2025. Image | Instagram
For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.
The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.
7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days
Harry Kane celebrating the Bundesliga win in 2025. Image | Instagram
For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.
But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.
This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.
Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S
8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days
Tottenham lifting the UEFA Europa League title after 17 years in 2025. Image | Sky News
2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.
The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.
After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.
RCB moves Karnataka HC seeking to quash stampede case
RCB moves Karnataka HC seeking to quash stampede case following the fatal incident during their IPL victory celebration at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. Get full updates here.
On June 4, 2025, what was meant to be a joyous celebration of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) IPL victory turned into a horrific tragedy outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A stampede occurred amidst massive crowds attempting to gain entry for the victory festivities, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and leaving numerous others injured.
The incident prompted immediate outrage and questions regarding crowd management, event planning, and accountability. Police subsequently filed an FIR against RCB, the event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), alleging various offenses including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal negligence. Several individuals, including RCB's marketing head, were arrested in connection with the case.
Legal Challenges and Court Observations
In response to the criminal case, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the entity managing RCB, along with DNA Entertainment Networks and some of their officials, have approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the FIRs. Their petitions contend that they have been falsely implicated and that the incident was not a result of their direct actions.
The petitions are being heard by Justice SR Krishna Kumar. During recent hearings, Justice Kumar has made observations, noting that it is "premature" to definitively conclude that RCB's social media posts inviting the public were the sole or primary trigger for the stampede.
The court has also urged the State not to make further arrests of RCB or DNA officials until the next hearing, signifying a cautious approach to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The State, however, has argued that RCB's invitations led to an uncontrolled gathering, far exceeding the stadium's capacity, contributing to the chaos. The investigation is ongoing, with a Special Investigation Team formed to probe the circumstances.
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