The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with fresh energy and renewed hope. After two years under the captaincy of South African veteran Faf du Plessis, RCB have made the bold decision to appoint a new skipper in Rajat Patidar. The shift in leadership is a major change for RCB as they set their sights on claiming their elusive maiden IPL title.

Faf du Plessis, who took over the reins from Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2022, guided RCB to the playoffs last year. They staged an incredible comeback to seal their playoff spot after experiencing a terrible start to the IPL 2024, winning only one of their first eight games. However, they upped their attack in the latter stage of the tournament, registering six consecutive victories to storm into the final four. Despite their strong showing, RCB fell short of clinching the title, continuing their long wait for IPL glory.

Now, talking about IPL 2025, they don’t have the services of two of their major players Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell whom they decided not to retain. They also didn’t use Right to Match (RTM) card for their acquisition. Meanwhile, RCB’s squad is packed with a wealth of talent. The team still boasts some of the best players in the world, with match-winners like Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, Tim David and Josh Hazlewood leading the charge. 

The batting lineup remains one of the most formidable in the tournament, with Kohli’s consistency and Liam Livingstone and Tim David’s explosive power ensuring that RCB remain a tough side to beat. They have roped in England’s big-hitting batter Phil Salt as well to boost their batting attack. Last year, Salt, who represented Kolkata Knight Riders, played a crucial role in their title-winning campaign, pounding 435 runs in 12 matches. They have also secured the services of Jitesh Sharma, who is another powerful batter capable of playing staggering innings. 

Since the inception of the IPL, RCB have established themselves as one of the most popular&beloved teams, attracting massive fan support. However, despite their star-studded line-up over the years, RCB have yet to clinch the IPL trophy. The franchise has reached the playoffs but each time they have fallen short. With a new captain at the helm and a balanced squad, RCB will look to start the 2025 season on a high note. They will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the tournament opener on March 22 at Eden Gardens. 

RCB squad for IPL 2025: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c) Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee