IPL 2025: 2 players who can become the next captain of RCB if Virat Kohli refuses to lead the team

The 2025 IPL Mega-Auction concluded on a good note and all eyes were on Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they were in search of a new captain after deciding not to re-buy Faf du Plessis. However, their decision of not signing any player with proper captaincy experience has enraged their fans and many people are speculating that Virat the legendary Kohli might agree to handle the leadership duties of the franchise once again. 

South Africa and RCB Legend AB de Villiers recently gave a big hint on his YouTube-channel that Kohli will be seen donning the leadership hat once again for the franchise in the upcoming edition of the competition. But, no official confirmation has been given regarding this topic from the Elite Indian Cricketer or the Bengaluru based franchise. 

In such a situation, the question arises that if Kohli refuses to lead the team, then what other options will be available for the three-time runners up to handle the captaincy duties. In this article, we will take a look at two players who will be the perfect captaincy choices for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

2 Players who can become the next RCB captain ahead of IPL 2025

2. Krunal Pandya

Slow left arm orthodox bowling all-rounder Krunal Pandya has achieved the status of being a top-notch all-rounder in the IPL. He is a highly experienced player having taken part in 127 IPL matches, in which he has managed to score 1,647 runs with the bat and has dismissed batters 76 times. 

Krunal also has captaincy experience and he impressed a lot with his leadership-skills in the 2023 edition of the IPL. He led the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to three victories in six fixtures. 

This time around in the 2025 IPL Mega-Auction, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bought him for a price tag of 5.75 crore Indian Rupees. Krunal also has a good record of leading Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the domestic T20 league of India and this experience might just work in favor of the all-rounder.

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Right arm seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar who is a new addition to the squad of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is one of the most experienced players of the franchise. The 34-year-old was purchased by Bengaluru in the Mega-Auction for big price tag of 10.75 crore Indian Rupees. 

Bhuvi is known for outfoxing the opposition batters with his ability to swing the new ball both ways and his exceptional death bowling skills. He is the highest ever wicket taker in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) having dismissed 181 batters so far. 

As far as leadership is concerned, Bhuvi has led 2016 IPL winners Sunrisers Hyderabad on multiple occasions in the tournament. Due to his calm nature and ability to perform well under pressure, he can take crucial decisions in a calm and patient manner. These skills give him the edge over Krunal to be the next captain of the Bengaluru based franchise.

IPL 2025: RCB's full squad: Virat Kohli, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rajat Patidar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Phil Salt (WK), Josh Hazelwood, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Swapnil Singh, Rasikh Salam, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal, Romario Shepherd, Devdutt Padikal, Mohit Rather, Lungisiani Ngidi, Swastik Chikara and Abhinandan Singh. 

Do Read: IPL 2025: RCB's squad analysis and strongest Playing 11