After a disastrous start last season, losing seven of their first eight matches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) staged an incredible comeback by winning six consecutive games, edging out Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on net run-rate to secure a playoff spot. RCB’s six-match winning streak in IPL 2024 was their second-longest, trailing only the seven in 2011 when they reached the final.
Their lone win in the first eight games was the lowest ever for a playoff-qualifying team in any season. However, their impressive run was cut short by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator, extending their wait for a maiden IPL title into the 18th season. The number 18 holds special significance, as it is the jersey number of their talisman, Virat Kohli—RCB will be hoping it symbolizes something greater this time.
Table of Contents
Best Likely XII
- Phil Salt*
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar (capt)
- Liam Livingstone*
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Jacob Bethell/Tim David*
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Josh Hazlewood*
- Suyash Sharma
- Rasikh Salam/Devdutt Padikkal
* denotes overseas player
Full Squad
Rajat Patidar (c), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Swastik Chikara, Krunal Pandya, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Mohit Rathee, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 Setup: New captain, Same Hurdles as RCB Chases Glory
Rajat Patidar’s appointment as captain marks a significant shift for RCB, a franchise that has historically relied on seasoned international stars for leadership. Their approach at the last mega auction indicated a clear focus on specific roles rather than marquee names, evident in their decision to avoid bidding beyond a certain limit for players like KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Rishabh Pant—a strategy that helped them manage their budget more effectively.
Taking charge of a team with one of the toughest home venues adds to Patidar’s challenge. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its high-scoring matches and short boundaries, has historically made it difficult to assemble a well-rounded bowling attack. RCB’s struggles at home are reflected in their win percentage of just 44.12 since 2017, the lowest among all teams.
To address this, they have brought in experienced names such as Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood, hoping their presence can turn the tide. Their ability to counter the home-ground disadvantage could play a crucial role in determining RCB’s fate in IPL 2025.
In the batting department, new signings add a strong English influence. Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell bring solid T20 pedigrees, with Salt expected to provide attacking support alongside Virat Kohli at the top. Livingstone’s middle-order power and part-time spin add versatility, while Tim David and Romario Shepherd further boost the lower middle-order. Jitesh Sharma, brought in to replace Dinesh Karthik, will have big shoes to fill as a finisher. While many players have been slotted into familiar roles, their immediate impact will depend on form and adaptability.
The squad appears more balanced than before, particularly in bowling, where Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar—acquired for a combined INR 23.25 crore—offer dependability. A mix of multi-dimensional players like Livingstone, Bethell, Pandya, Salt, and Jitesh Sharma ensures depth across departments.
RCB has also bolstered its support staff, with Mo Bobat and Andy Flower overseeing the team’s direction. The addition of Dinesh Karthik as a mentor and Omkar Salvi, formerly of KKR, as the fast-bowling coach strengthens the Indian contingent behind the scenes.
Watch Out For
Rajat Patidar
Eleven batters crossed 300 runs in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but none scored quicker than Rajat Patidar (186.08). The tournament’s second-highest run-scorer with 428 runs in nine innings at 61.14, he also topped the six-hitting charts with 27 maximums.
Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell has generated plenty of buzz, including from former RCB star Glenn Maxwell. His left-handed power-hitting, left-arm spin, and sharp fielding make him a strong first-XI candidate to fill Maxwell’s shoes.
If he shines, it will mark another milestone in his rising career. From a blistering 42-ball 88 at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup to a viral catch in the 2023 T20 Blast and Birmingham Bears’ fastest fifty (56* off 16) in 2024, Bethell has already made waves. Having debuted in all three formats for England, the big question now is—what impact will he have in the IPL?
Devdutt Padikkal
Once hailed as Karnataka’s next batting sensation, Devdutt Padikkal has struggled in roles that limited his powerplay advantage. With a potential top-order spot now within reach, he has a chance to reclaim his lost form and reputation.
Rasikh Salam
Rasikh Salam’s cricketing journey nearly ended before it began. After serving a two-year ban for age fraud, he battled a stress injury and struggled to break into Jammu & Kashmir’s squad. Guided by Irfan Pathan and nurtured by Mumbai Indians since his teenage years, he made a strong comeback with a breakout IPL season for Delhi Capitals.
His deceptive slower ball, growing pace, and handy lower-order hitting make him a promising talent. While his immediate role at RCB remains uncertain, any impact at their challenging home ground could significantly boost his rising career.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
With RCB historically struggling to contain runs at their high-scoring home ground, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s control becomes crucial. His exceptional economy of 6.03—the best among all bowlers with at least ten wickets in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy—adds much-needed stability to their attack. His experience and precision could be vital in turning tight games in RCB’s favor.
Concerns
Injury Comebacks Boost RCB Ahead of IPL 2025
Josh Hazlewood, sidelined by a calf injury that kept him out of the last two Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests and the Champions Trophy, is set to return for RCB after last featuring in 2023.
Similarly, Jacob Bethell, who missed the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring issue sustained during the ODI series in India, is recovering well and expected to be available from the season’s start.
Fixture Challenges and Key Home Ground Stat
RCB begin their campaign with two away fixtures before playing their first home game. However, they will close out the league stage with back-to-back matches at home—a potential advantage if the playoff race comes down to net run rate, as is often the case in the IPL.
Over the last two seasons, RCB have bowled the fewest overs of spin (29.1%) and have been the most expensive. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been particularly challenging for spinners, with an economy rate of 9.24—second only to Hyderabad (9.26). With Krunal Pandya, who boasts a solid 7.25 economy at the venue, and Suyash Sharma in the mix, RCB will aim to improve these numbers and strike better balance.
Read More: IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Preview – Squad Analysis of RR And Starting XII
FAQs
Who is RCB’s new captain for IPL 2025?
Rajat Patidar has been appointed as RCB’s captain, marking a shift from their tradition of choosing established international stars.
What changes have RCB made to their squad for IPL 2025?
RCB has strengthened their squad with key signings like Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, aiming for a more balanced unit.
How has RCB performed at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in recent seasons?
RCB has struggled at home, with the worst win percentage (44.12%) since 2017. They also have the most expensive spin attack in the IPL over the last two seasons.
Is Josh Hazlewood fit for IPL 2025?
Yes, after missing key tournaments due to a calf injury, Hazlewood is on track to return for RCB this season.
How crucial is Bhuvneshwar Kumar to RCB’s bowling attack?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with the best economy rate (6.03) among bowlers with at least 10 wickets in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, is expected to play a vital role in RCB’s pace attack.
