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A New Era Begins: Challenges Await Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025

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Rajat Patidar named Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain for IPL 2025, leading the team in a challenging new season. — Rajat Patidar steps into the captaincy role for RCB ahead of IPL 2025. Can he lead the team to success? Credit: RCB

A Fresh Captain, But the Same Challenges for RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is entering a new cycle in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a significant change at the helm. Rajat Patidar takes over as captain, stepping into a leadership role that will be under immense scrutiny. The franchise has struggled historically at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is known for its high-scoring nature and short boundaries, making it challenging to build an effective bowling attack.

Since 2017, RCB has recorded the lowest win percentage at home (44.12%), underscoring the need for a strong strategic approach in IPL 2025. The team management has made key acquisitions that look promising on paper, including experienced players like Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood. Their performances will be crucial in overcoming the “Chinnaswamy Challenge.”

Revamped Batting Lineup with an English Flair

RCB’s batting lineup has seen significant changes, with the addition of Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell. These English cricketers bring excellent T20 credentials and will play pivotal roles in the team’s strategy.

Key Batting Partnerships

Phil Salt & Virat Kohli: The dynamic duo will look to replicate the successful opening partnerships of the past.
Liam Livingstone: A hard-hitting middle-order batter with all-round abilities, offering an extra spin option when required.
Tim David & Romario Shepherd: Power hitters in the lower middle order, ensuring RCB has enough firepower in the death overs.

With Jitesh Sharma replacing Dinesh Karthik as wicketkeeper-batter, the team has maintained a like-for-like replacement structure but will rely heavily on the current form of these players to succeed.

RCB’s Full Squad for IPL 2025

Batsmen & Wicketkeepers: Rajat Patidar (c), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk)
All-rounders: Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Swastik Chikara, Krunal Pandya, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Mohit Rathee
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh

Predicted Best XI for IPL 2025

Phil Salt
Virat Kohli
Devdutt Padikkal
Rajat Patidar (c)
Liam Livingstone
Jitesh Sharma (wk)
Tim David
Krunal Pandya
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Hazlewood
Yash Dayal/Suyash Sharma/Rasikh Dar Salam

Injury & Availability Updates

Josh Hazlewood has been sidelined for an extended period due to injury, and his return to full fitness will be crucial for RCB’s bowling lineup. The team has backup overseas pacers in Lungi Ngidi and Nuwan Thushara, but Hazlewood’s skill and experience would be invaluable if he is match-fit.

Players to Watch Out For

Devdutt Padikkal: A Point to Prove

Once regarded as Karnataka’s brightest batting prospect, Padikkal has struggled in recent IPL seasons due to being pushed into non-ideal batting positions. With a probable top-order slot in IPL 2025, this season presents a golden opportunity for him to reclaim his lost form.

Rasikh Dar Salam: A Potential Breakout Star

Though he may not start in the playing XI immediately, Rasikh Dar Salam showed glimpses of promise with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024. If given opportunities, he could become a key player, especially at a challenging home venue.

The IPL 2025 Fixture Challenge

RCB will play their first two matches away before returning to Chinnaswamy Stadium. Interestingly, they will conclude their league stage with two consecutive home games. If the race for playoff qualification tightens in the final stages, RCB could leverage their home-ground familiarity to secure a spot.

Home Ground Bowling Challenge: A Key Stat

Over the past two IPL seasons, RCB has bowled the fewest overs of spin (29.1%) while also being the most expensive bowling side. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been the second most expensive venue for spinners, with an economy rate of 9.24 runs per over (just behind Hyderabad’s 9.26). The addition of Krunal Pandya (ER 7.25 at Chinnaswamy) and Suyash Sharma could help improve these figures.