Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide with their passionate legacy. Heading into the IPL 2025 auction, RCB avoided splurging on marquee players, focusing instead on building a balanced and formidable squad.
Key acquisitions like Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya reflect this approach. The team’s starting XI boasts a mix of seasoned players and promising youngsters, creating an exciting dynamic for the next IPL cycle (2025-2027).
With a strong bowling lineup, impactful all-rounders, and reliable batting options, this squad appears well-equipped to challenge for the IPL title. As fans eagerly await the season, the question remains—will this new-look RCB finally bring the trophy home?
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into their squad’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats!
STRENGTHS
Powerful Batting Line-up: RCB has revamped its batting with dynamic players. Phil Salt joins Virat Kohli as an opening pair, promising explosive starts. Liam Livingstone adds firepower to the middle order, while Rajat Patidar provides stability at No. 3. Young talent Jacob Bethell further strengthens the batting depth.
Lethal New Ball Attack: The team boasts a strong pace trio—Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a seasoned two-time Purple Cap winner; Josh Hazlewood, known for his height and swing; and young left-armer Yash Dayal. Together, they can dismantle opposition top orders with ease.
WEAKNESSES
Limited Spin Options: RCB’s decision to rely on just one spinner, Suyash Sharma, raises concerns. With minimal IPL experience, Suyash may struggle to lead the spin attack, leaving the team vulnerable on spin-friendly tracks.
Fragile Lower Order: The lower batting order lacks impactful hitters, which could hurt RCB in high-pressure situations. Jitesh Sharma, coming off a disappointing season, is slated at No. 5, followed by Krunal Pandya at No. 6, and IPL newcomer Manoj Bhandage at No. 7. Their inexperience and inconsistency could cost RCB crucial runs during close encounters.
OPPORTUNITIES
Quest for Maiden Title: RCB has come close to winning the IPL title in 2009, 2011, and 2016 but fell short each time. With a revamped squad and a strong mix of experience and youth, the team has a golden opportunity to end their long wait for an IPL trophy, fulfilling the dreams of their passionate fans. RCB’s dedicated fanbase has always stood by them, and this season presents a perfect chance to deliver the long-awaited glory and cement their place as IPL champions.
Kohli’s Captaincy Comeback: Virat Kohli, who led RCB from 2013 to 2021, might return as captain this season. With his unmatched experience and determination, Kohli has the chance to lead RCB to their first IPL title and inspire the squad to play fearless cricket.
THREATS
Lack of Quality Backups: RCB has built a strong playing XI, but their bench strength lacks comparable replacements. If key players like Livingstone or Hazlewood underperform or face injuries, the team might struggle to find equally effective alternatives, potentially impacting their overall performance.
One-Dimensional Bowling: While RCB’s pace attack is strong with bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, their strength lies primarily in taking early wickets with the new ball. However, none of them are proven death-over specialists, leaving the team vulnerable in the slog overs. Bhuvneshwar, in particular, is not as effective as he was during his purple-cap-winning years, which could lead to expensive spells in high-pressure situations.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for the IPL 2025
Retained Players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal
Players Picked in the Auction: Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Suyash Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thushara, Romario Shepherd, Lungi Ngidi, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Swastik Chikara, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable XI and Impact Player for the IPL 2025
Probable Starting XI: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal (Impact).
CONCLUSION & RATINGS OUT OF 10
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has formed a well-balanced squad blending experienced international stars and young talent. With power-packed batting led by Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone, they boast a formidable top and middle order. Their pace attack, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, is solid, but the lack of death-bowling expertise could hurt them in crunch moments. The absence of a strong spin attack and dependable lower-order batting depth are other areas of concern. While RCB has the potential to finally lift the trophy, the performance of their core players and injury management will be key.
RATING: 7.5/10