IPL 2025, RCB: Squad analysis, schedule, Probable XI, and more
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) are preparing for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, with the hope of clinching their maiden title.
Last year, they made a strong comeback, winning six matches on the trot to qualify for the playoffs, edging past Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Net Run Rate.
However, their campaign ended in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
The Royal Challengers are set for a fresh start under Rajat Patidar's leadership.
Leadership change
Patidar appointed as new captain
In a major departure from their earlier strategy of banking on international stars for captaincy, RCB have named promising Indian talent Rajat Patidar as their captain.
This is part of the franchise's larger strategy to focus on squad balance instead of just big names.
While Faf du Plessis was released by the Royal Challengers, it was reported that Virat Kohli has refrained from leading the side.
Team analysis
RCB's strengths and weaknesses
RCB's batting core, led by Kohli, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone is their key strength. This powerful top order can challenge any bowling attack.
The team also boasts a well-balanced group of all-rounders including Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, and Tim David.
As has been the case, bowling remains a concern for RCB, especially at the batting-friendly Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood's expertise bolsters their bowling, the department looks bleak overall.
Team lineup
RCB's squad for IPL 2025
RCB squad: Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, and Mohit Rathee.
Probable XI
What can be their Probable XI?
RCB Probable XI: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and Suyash Sharma.
Schedule
RCB to feature in tournament opener
RCB are set to feature in the IPL 2025 opener. They will take on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens.
It will be a rematch of the two sides from the 2008 IPL opener, this time in Kolkata.
RCB will travel to Chennai thereafter to face the Yellow Army, on March 28.
These are RCB's only two fixtures from March.
Twitter Post
Here's the full schedule
🚨 IPL 2025 Full Schedule Released! 🚨
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 16, 2025
🗓️ Here’s when, where, and who we’ll face in the #TataIPL2025. 🔥
We’re locking horns with CSK, RR, PBKS, KKR and DC twice. We play MI, GT, LSG and SRH once. 💪
Save the dates, 12th Man Army. We are ready to #PlayBold! 🙌 #ನಮ್ಮRCB… pic.twitter.com/92NpYAw8e3
Records
Virat Kohli eyes these records
Days after winning the ICC Champions Trophy, Kohli will have his eyes on another silverware.
The former RCB skipper finished the 2024 IPL season with a staggering 741 runs at 61.75, bagging the Orange Cap.
During the impending season, Kohli could become the first-ever Indian with 13,000 runs in T20 cricket.
Kohli could also become the second player with 100-plus half-centuries in T20 cricket.