Having followed IPL for years the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team or RCB 2025 Squad have always been a fan favorite in the Indian Premier League (IPL), thanks to their dazzling lineups and a fanbase that’s as loyal as they come.
Yet, despite being part of the IPL since day one in 2008, that shiny trophy has somehow stayed out of reach. As we roll into IPL 2025, RCB have shaken things up big time, handing the captaincy to Rajat Patidar and rebuilding their squad from the ground up.
In this deep dive into RCB’s 2025 team, I’ll unpack what they’re bringing to the table, where they shine, where they might stumble, and whether this could finally be their year.
IPL Performance Over the Years
(i) RCB Results in IPL history
- 2008: 7th
- 2009: Runner-Up
- 2010: 3rd
- 2011: Runner-Up
- 2012: 5th
- 2013: 5th
- 2014: 7th
- 2015: 3rd
- 2016: Runner-Up
- 2017: 8th
- 2018: 6th
- 2019: 8th
- 2020: 4th
- 2021: 4th
- 2022: 3rd
- 2023: 6th
- 2024: 4th
(ii) Overall Win Percentage
- Matches Played: 258
- Wins: 124
- Losses: 129
- No Result: 5
- Win Percentage: 48.06%
(iii) Head To Head Win Percentage
- CSK: 34 Matches – 11 Wins / 22 Losses / 1 No Result (33.3%)
- DC: 32 Matches – 20 Wins / 11 Losses / 1 No Result (64.5%)
- GT: 5 Matches – 3 Wins / 2 Losses (60%)
- KKR: 35 Matches – 14 Wins / 21 Losses (40%)
- LSG: 5 Matches – 3 Wins / 2 Losses (60%)
- MI: 35 Matches – 14 Wins / 21 Losses (40%)
- PBKS: 33 Matches – 16 Wins / 17 Losses (48.5%)
- RR: 32 Matches – 15 Wins / 14 Losses / 3 No Result (51.7%)
- SRH: 25 Matches – 11 Wins / 13 Losses / 1 No Result (45.8%)
(iv) Home Ground Stats
- M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore: 102 Matches – 49 Wins / 47 Losses / 6 No Result (51%)
Players In-Charge for 2025
- (i) RCB new captain 2025 : Rajat Patidar
- (ii) RCB new Vice Captain 2025 : Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Not Officially Announced)
- (iii) RCB new Head Coach 2025 : Andy Flower
- (iv) RCB new Batting Coach 2025 : Dinesh Karthik
- (v) RCB new Bowling Coach 2025 : Omkar Salvi & Manolan Rangarajan
A Quick Look at IPL 2025 RCB 2025 Squad
Heading into the IPL 2025 mega auction, RCB had a game plan: stop leaning so hard on their batsmen and beef up their bowling. They kept just three players—Virat Kohli (₹21 crore), Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore), and Yash Dayal (₹5 crore)—leaving them with a massive ₹83 crore to play with.
The result? A 22-player squad packed with big hitters, all-rounders who can do a bit of everything, and bowlers with some real experience.
Here’s the full RCB 2025 squad for IPL 2025:
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara
- All-Rounders: Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell
- Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee, Yash Dayal
With Rajat Patidar taking the reins and Virat Kohli still the heart and soul of the team, RCB kick off their 2025 journey on March 22 against the reigning champs, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), at Eden Gardens. Let’s break down what this squad’s got going for it.
What Makes RCB 2025 Squad Strong
1. RCB 2025 squad Top Order That Can Light Up the Sky
Having analyzed IPL performances for years, I’ve seen how RCB’s batting has consistently been their strength. RCB have always been about big runs, and this year’s batting lineup is no different—it’s pure dynamite.
Virat Kohli is still the guy everyone looks to, and after smashing 741 runs in IPL 2024 at an average of 61.75 (hello, Orange Cap!), he’s showing no signs of slowing down. He’s the rock who can hold things together or flip the switch when it’s time to go big.
Then there’s Phil Salt, snapped up for ₹11.50 crore. This right handed Englishman is a firecracker at the top—last year with Delhi Capitals, he blasted 435 runs at a strike rate of 182.77.
Pair that aggression with Kohli’s cool-headedness, and you’ve got magic. Add in Rajat Patidar (rcb new captain 2025) who hammered 395 runs at 177.13 last season, and RCB’s top three could take apart any attack in the league.
2. RCB 2025 squad Middle Order With Options
Down the order, RCB have some serious firepower. Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore) can send the ball into orbit and toss in some handy off-spin, while Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crore) brings his glove work and a knack for finishing games.
Tim David (₹3 crore) is a death-overs destroyer—his power could be the difference between a good total and a monster one. This crew gives RCB the muscle to chase down anything or set a score that’s tough to touch.
3. A Bowling Unit That’s Finally Got Some Bite
Let’s be real—RCB’s bowling has been their soft spot forever. But 2025 feels different. They’ve got Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore), their priciest pick, leading the pace attack with his pinpoint accuracy. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore) adds swing and smarts to the mix.
Together, they’re a dream opening pair. Yash Dayal’s left-arm swing and Rasikh Dar (₹6 crore), who grabbed eight wickets for Delhi last year, round out a pace group that actually looks solid.
The spin side isn’t dazzling, but Suyash Sharma (₹2.60 crore) and Swapnil Singh (₹50 lakh) can hold their own, with Krunal Pandya and Livingstone chipping in.
For a team that plays half its games at the batter’s paradise of Chinnaswamy Stadium, this bowling lineup is a huge step up.
4. All-Rounders Who Can Switch It Up
RCB’s all-rounders are the glue holding this squad together. Krunal Pandya (₹5.75 crore) brings left-arm spin and some clutch runs, while Jacob Bethell (₹2.60 crore), a rising star from England, offers left-handed batting and spin.
Romario Shepherd (₹1.50 crore) and Manoj Bhandage (₹30 lakh) give pace options and lower-order thump. This versatility means RCB can tweak their game plan on the fly.
Where RCB Might Trip Up
1. No Big-Time Spinner
The pace attack looks good, but spin? That’s a worry. Suyash Sharma and Swapnil Singh are decent, but they’re not in the same league as a Rashid Khan or a Yuzvendra Chahal (remember when RCB let him go?).
Krunal and Livingstone can bowl a few, but they’re not your go-to guys. At Chinnaswamy, where the ball flies, teams with strong batsmen could feast on this.
2. A Captain Who’s Still Finding His Feet
Rajat Patidar as captain is a gutsy call, but it’s a gamble. He’s led Madhya Pradesh at home, sure, but the IPL is a whole other level—big crowds, bigger egos, and insane pressure. With Virat Kohli, a former skipper, still in the dugout, Patidar’s every move will be watched. If things start shaky, the spotlight’s only going to get hotter.
3. Death Overs Could Get Messy
The pace attack is better, but can they close out games? Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s not the late-overs wizard he once was, and Hazlewood’s more about control than death-over chaos. Rasikh Dar and Yash Dayal have promise, but they’re green when it comes to high-stakes finishes. Tight games might slip away if these guys don’t step up.
4. Middle Order Hinges on the Top
The top three—Kohli, Salt, Patidar—are beasts, but if they flop, the middle could wobble. Jitesh Sharma and Tim David are finishers, not builders, and Livingstone’s been hot and cold in the IPL. Without a big start, RCB might find themselves scrambling to post or chase a decent score.
Rcb Playing 11 2025
Here’s how I see rcb playing 11 2025:
- Phil Salt (wk)
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar (rcb new captain 2025)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma
- Krunal Pandya
- Tim David
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Rasikh Dar
Impact Player Picks: Suyash Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, or Swapnil Singh, depending on the vibe of the game. This XI’s got batting punch and a decent bowling mix, though the spinner situation might mean leaning on part-timers.
Players to Keep an Eye On from rcb playing 11 2025
- Virat Kohli: The king’s still ruling—after his 2024 heroics, he’s on a mission for that IPL crown.
- Phil Salt: His powerplay fireworks could set RCB up for huge totals.
- Josh Hazlewood: His return brings calm and wickets—vital for this team.
- Rajat Patidar: rcb new captain 2025 and key batsman—he’s got a lot to prove this year.
- Jacob Bethell: A young gun who could surprise everyone with bat and ball.
RCB’s 2025 Schedule and Hurdles
It all starts with a blockbuster against KKR on March 22, then a showdown with CSK in Chennai on March 28. Seven home games at Chinnaswamy’s run-fest ground will test that bowling crew.
Double-headers against Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Punjab Kings mean they’ll need to stay sharp. No elite spinner might hurt against KKR or CSK, and the death bowling could crack under guys like Russell or Dhoni.
Can RCB Finally Win It?
This RCB 2025 squad feels like the most complete yet. The batting’s electric, the bowling’s got an edge with Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, and the all-rounders add spice. Patidar’s leadership is the wild card—if he nails it, they’re in business.
But the spinner gap and unproven captaincy could trip them up. If they play smart—maybe lean on Livingstone or Bethell for spin—and keep the momentum from their 2024 six-game streak, they’ve got a shot. I’d say they’ve got a 60% chance of making the playoffs and a real crack at the final if the stars align.
Rcb New Jersey 2025
Here are the images of rcb new jersey 2025-
Conclusion
RCB 2025 squad is a mix of experienced Players like virat and hungry youngsters, blending raw power with some much-needed bowling unit. Kohli driving the charge and a stronger attack behind him, this could be the year they ditch the “nearly men” label.
The spin and death-over worries linger, but there’s hope—real hope—for RCB fans. Could 2025 be when the trophy finally comes to Bengaluru? We’ll see soon enough.
What do you reckon about this team? Got a hot take or a prediction? Let me know below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
