RCB Team IPL 2025: Will Royal Challengers Bengaluru end title drought?

RCB Team IPL 2025: Will Royal Challengers Bengaluru end title drought? (IPL Photo)

RCB Team IPL 2025: One of the most well-liked teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has never won the IPL title, but their fan base and popularity haven't decreased. RCB have reached the playoffs eight times and reached the IPL final thrice, but the trophy has eluded them each time.

With an aim to secure their first title in the tournament's 18th edition, RCB is entering the 2025 season with renewed optimism. There has been a major change in leadership with the appointment of Rajat Patidar as the new captain. His actions and strategic choices will be crucial in determining how the RCB campaign turns out.

Strengths:

A solid top three. Rajat Patidar, who is also replacing du Plessis in another role, will provide steadiness and explosiveness against spin at three, while Virat Kohli will be paired with Phil Salt, who is replacing Faf du Plessis.

The squad's depth and experience are increased with the acquisition of England's all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who is renowned for his explosive batting and adaptability, and the presence of seasoned players like Virat Kohli, who remains the team's talisman.

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With Kohli and Livingstone at the forefront, RCB's batting lineup is strong and versatile, able to both establish and chase difficult totals.

Players like Livingstone lend balance by providing both bowling and batting options, which is essential in the T20 format.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood lead a strong seam bowling attack. RCB have Indian quicks Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal (retained), and the uncapped Abhinandan Singh, as well as backups from abroad in Lungi Ngidi and Nuwan Thushara.

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Weaknesses:

The majority of RCB's middle order batsmen aren't the most adept at batting at the number four spot, thus it seems like at least one slot is too high for players like Tim David, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Krunal Pandya.

There is concern over the fitness of important players, namely fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and English all-rounder Jacob Bethell. Their possible absence might affect how well RCB performs, particularly in the bowling department.

Although the starting lineup looks solid, injuries or a decline in performance among the key players might put the squad's depth to the test.

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Notwithstanding their past failures to win the IPL trophy, RCB has a new chance in 2025 under new management. The success of the squad will depend on Patidar's capable leadership, the players' continued fitness, and the reliable play of both seasoned and up-and-coming players.

RCB may end their title drought this season if these factors come together.

RCB complete squad IPL 2025

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee, Yash Dayal