The Resilient Challengers in IPL 2025

The IPL 2025 auction has concluded, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has once again made bold moves to strengthen their squad. With a strong core already in place, the team’s auction strategy revolved around addressing their weaknesses while adding depth across departments. Here’s a detailed review of RCB’s performance at the auction:

Here’s the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad for IPL 2025 with price details:

Batters

• Virat Kohli (Retained for ₹21 crore)
• Rajat Patidar (Retained for ₹11 crore)
• Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore)
• Tim David (₹3 crore)
• Devdutt Padikkal (₹2 crore)
• Swastik Chhikara (₹30 lakh)

Wicketkeepers

• Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crore)
• Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore)

All-Rounders

• Krunal Pandya (₹5.75 crore)
• Swapnil Singh (₹50 lakh)
• Romario Shepherd (₹1.50 crore)
• Manoj Bhandage (₹30 lakh)
• Jacob Bethell (₹2.60 crore)

Bowlers

• Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore)
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore)
• Rasikh Dar (₹6 crore)
• Suyash Sharma (₹2.60 crore)
• Nuwan Thushara (₹1.60 crore)
• Lungi Ngidi (₹1 crore)
• Abhinandan Singh (₹30 lakh)
• Mohit Rathee (₹30 lakh)

Coach

• Andy Flower

RCB’s IPL 2025 auction was a success, addressing key gaps while retaining their core strengths. With a balanced squad and a renewed sense of purpose, the team looks ready to challenge for the title. The question remains: can this squad deliver when it matters most?

Here’s the expected playing XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025:

1. Virat Kohli (C)
   • Virat Kohli is set to captain Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025. After relinquishing the role in 2022, he briefly returned as captain in 2023 when Faf du Plessis was injured. With du Plessis no longer part of the team, Kohli is expected to lead RCB once again. His leadership, combined with his exceptional batting, will be crucial for RCB’s success this season
2. Phil Salt (WK)
   • Phil Salt, born on August 28, 1996, is an English wicketkeeper-batsman known for his aggressive style and explosive starts. He joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹11.50 crore after impressive stints with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals (DC). Salt’s ability to provide quick runs at the top of the order and his sharp wicketkeeping skills make him a valuable asset for RCB. His partnership with Virat Kohli is anticipated to be a game-changer for the team.
3. Rajat Patidar
   • Rajat Patidar, born on June 1, 1993, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is a talented right-handed batter for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025. He made his IPL debut in 2021 and has since played 27 matches, scoring 799 runs with a highest score of 112*. Known for his aggressive yet consistent play, Patidar has been a reliable middle-order batsman for RCB. His domestic performances for Madhya Pradesh have also been impressive, making him a key player for RCB’s success in the tournament.
4. Liam Livingstone
   • Liam Livingstone, born on August 4, 1993, is an explosive English all-rounder known for his powerful hitting and handy spin bowling. He joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹8.75 crore. Livingstone has played 39 IPL matches, scoring 939 runs at a strike rate of 162.45 and taking 11 wickets. His aggressive stroke play and ability to finish games make him a valuable asset for RCB. With his experience in leagues like the Big Bash and SA20, Livingstone is a modern-day T20 specialist, capable of changing the game’s dynamics with his all-round skills.
5. Krunal Pandya
   • Krunal Pandya, born on March 24, 1991, is a versatile Indian all-rounder who joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹5.75 crore. Known for his left-arm spin and reliable middle-order batting, Krunal has played 127 IPL matches, scoring 1647 runs and taking 76 wickets. He won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians (MI) and played for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before joining RCB. Krunal’s ability to contribute in multiple roles makes him a valuable asset for RCB.
6. Jitesh Sharma (WK)
   • Jitesh Sharma, born on October 22, 1993, is an Indian wicketkeeper-batsman who joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹11 crore. Known for his aggressive batting and quick scoring, Jitesh has played 40 IPL matches, scoring 730 runs at a strike rate of 151.13. He had a standout season with Punjab Kings in 2023, scoring 309 runs in 14 games. Jitesh’s ability to provide late surges and finish games makes him a valuable asset for RCB’s middle order.
7. Tim David
   • Tim David, born on March 16, 1996, is a Singapore-born Australian all-rounder known for his explosive batting and handy medium-pace bowling. He rejoined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹3 crore after a stint with Mumbai Indians. David has played 38 IPL matches, scoring 659 runs at a strike rate of 170.28. His ability to hit big shots and finish games makes him a valuable asset for RCB’s lower middle order. David’s aggressive style and versatility add depth to the team’s lineup.
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
   • Bhuvneshwar Kumar, born on February 5, 1990, in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is a seasoned Indian pacer known for his swing bowling and economical spells. He joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹10.75 crore after a successful stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). With 181 wickets from 176 IPL matches, Bhuvneshwar is a key player in the powerplay and death overs. His ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain pressure on batsmen makes him a valuable asset for RCB’s bowling attack.
9. Josh Hazlewood
   • Josh Hazlewood, born on January 8, 1991, is an Australian fast bowler known for his swing and seam bowling. He rejoined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹12.50 crore. Hazlewood has played 27 IPL matches, taking 12 wickets at an average of 29.75. His best season was in 2022, where he took 20 wickets in 12 matches for RCB. Known for his ability to take wickets in crucial phases, Hazlewood is expected to be a key player in RCB’s pace attack this season.
10. Yash Dayal
    • Yash Dayal, born on December 13, 1997, is an emerging Indian fast bowler who joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹5 crore. Known for his ability to swing the ball and generate pace, Dayal has played 28 IPL matches, taking 28 wickets with a best of 3/20. His performances in domestic cricket and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy have highlighted his potential. Dayal’s inclusion in RCB’s lineup adds depth to their bowling attack, making him a player to watch in the upcoming season.
11. `Suyash Sharma`
    • Suyash Sharma, born on May 15, 2003, is an emerging Indian leg-spinner who joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025 for ₹2.60 crore. Known for his deceptive googly and leg breaks, Suyash made his IPL debut in 2023 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), taking 11 wickets in 11 matches. His ability to take wickets and stem the flow of runs, especially on slow tracks, makes him a valuable asset for RCB. Suyash’s inclusion adds depth to RCB’s spin department, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success this season.

This lineup combines experienced players with explosive talent, aiming to finally clinch that elusive IPL title. What do you think of this lineup?

Here are five strengths and weaknesses of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2025:

Strengths:

1. Powerful Batting Lineup: With Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt, RCB boasts a formidable top order.
2. All-Rounders: Krunal Pandya and Liam Livingstone add depth with their dual abilities.
3. Experienced Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bring international experience and skill to the bowling attack.
4. Aggressive Openers: Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal can provide quick starts.
5. Versatile Spin Options: Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya offer spin options that can trouble batsmen.

Weaknesses:

1. Inexperienced Indian Bowlers: Apart from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the rest of the Indian bowling options lack experience.
2. Over-reliance on Key Players: Dependence on Kohli, Livingstone, and Hazlewood could be risky if they underperform.
3. Middle-Order Depth: While strong, the middle order might struggle if top-order fails.
4. Inconsistent Performances: Past seasons have shown RCB’s inconsistency, which could be a concern.
5. Pressure Handling: Handling pressure in crucial matches remains a challenge for the team.