IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad Analysis, Probable Playing 11, Complete Squad & Coaching Staff

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enters the 18th season of the Indian Premier League with high hopes of finally lifting the trophy, believing that this is the season to do so. The number '18' has special significance as it is also Virat Kohli's jersey number. The star-studded team has consistently come into each season with optimism, only to face elimination from the tournament. However, this year, the team appears revitalized with fresh signings and a new captain ready to lead them.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad IPL 2025

Batters:

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar(c), Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chikara, Phil Salt(wk), Jitesh Sharma(wk)

Bowlers:

Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma

All-rounders:

Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing 11

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Jithesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Tim David/ Romario Shepherd, Yash Dayal, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh (Impact Player)

Also Read: Rajat Patidar was Appointed as the New RCB Captain

Explosive Batting Line-up

The surface at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium demands power hitters, and RCB has been playing here for nearly two decades, so they know how to select their batters. The opening duo consists of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, blending both explosive and steady approaches. Phil Salt has previously scored significant runs at this stadium while playing for KKR and will take on the role of aggressor in this partnership.

Virat Kohli's typical playing style on this surface will also help RCB at the top of the order. Following them is captain Rajat Patidar, who excels against spin bowling. If he comes in after the power play with RCB in a strong position, he can maintain a good scoring rate in the middle overs.

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At the 4 and 5 positions, RCB has several options, including Jithesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone. Jithesh can play sensibly under pressure and accelerate the scoring when needed. Livingstone may take some time to settle but has the potential to score big once he does.

Krunal Pandya can serve as a floater in this batting lineup, bringing ample experience and the ability to be an x-factor with both bat and ball. Tim David or Romario Shepherd can be swapped in as all-rounders and power hitters based on the surface conditions. Shepherd is also a genuine wicket-taker, giving him an edge over Tim David. RCB’s batting offers explosive hitting, which can be effective both at home and away. This line-up is poised to chase records this season.

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A Bright Bowling Line-up

Historically, RCB has boasted a fantastic batting line-up, but the bowling unit has often been a weakness. Playing on a flat track has exposed their bowlers, leading to losses at home. This time, fortunes may change with Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the bowling attack alongside fully fit Josh Hazlewood, who has returned to RCB this season. Uncapped retention Yash Dayal is expected to play a key role in death bowling.

RCB has also strengthened its spin department, with Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya included in the lineup. RCB's own Swapnil Singh can be utilized as an Impact Player to complement these spinners.

Overall, RCB's bowling unit features two match-winners at the helm. If the supporting bowlers can complement the lead bowlers effectively, this season, RCB’s bowling attack might not be as exposed as it has been in the past.

Also Read: Fully Fit Josh Hazlewood Arrives in Bengaluru Ahead of Season Opener

With a powerful batting and strong bowling line-up led by Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, RCB aims to complete its quest for the IPL title in 2025. Stay tuned to watch as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru kick off their campaign against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in the season opener.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Coaching Staff IPL 2025

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