“When will the trophy finally arrive?” This is the burning question on every Royal Challengers Bengaluru fan’s mind. Last season, RCB endured a disastrous start, winning just one of their first eight games. However, what followed was a remarkable turnaround—a six-match winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs. Unfortunately, their journey was cut short by the Rajasthan Royals. Now, under the leadership of their new captain, Rajat Patidar, RCB will be determined to break their title drought and claim the ultimate prize.
Squad
Rajat Patidar (C) ,Virat Kohli, Josh Hazelwood, Phil Salt (WK), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Bhuvnashwer Kumar, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Salam, Krunal Pandya, Yash Dayal , Tim David, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikal , Nuwan Thusara, Romario Shepherd, Lungi Ngidi, Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, Swastik Chikara, Mohit Rathe , Manoj Bhandage
Probable XII
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Devdutt Padikal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Liam Livingstone
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Rasikh Salam
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal/Suyash Sharma
Key Players
Rajat Patidar
The RCB lineup is heavily stacked with right-handers and batters who thrive against pace. As a result, the onus will be on captain Rajat Patidar to anchor the batting unit against spin. Patidar has been exceptional in this role since his emergence in the IPL, showcasing his prowess against spin bowling. With 424 runs at an impressive average of 53 and a staggering strike rate of 177.4, he stands among the tournament’s most formidable players against spin.
Liam Livingstone
The Englishman will be a crucial piece of the puzzle for RCB. The team will be counting on him to rediscover his run-scoring form in the IPL, replicating his performances from previous seasons. Additionally, with RCB set to field just one frontline spinner, his role with the ball will be equally vital, making his all-round contributions indispensable to the team’s success.
Strengths
Explosive Middle order
RCB boasts one of the most explosive six-hitting lineups in the competition. With power-hitters like Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David occupying the No. 5, 6, and 7 slots, they possess a formidable lower order capable of shifting the momentum in an instant and dismantling opposition attacks with ease.
New ball Bowling
The pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood is expected to share the new-ball duties for RCB. While Bhuvneshwar struggled with economy at the death, he remained a class act with the new ball, providing early breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Hazlewood has been remarkably consistent, using his impeccable line and length to trouble opposition batters from the outset.
Weaknesses
Batting against Spin
Most of RCB’s batters prefer pace on the ball, which could expose a significant vulnerability against spin. With six of their top seven batters being right-handers, they are particularly susceptible to left-arm spin during the middle overs. Even their lone left-hander in the top seven has shown a tendency to struggle hitting against SLA in this phase. This weakness could allow the opposition to seize control of the game if not addressed effectively.
Death Bowling
Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood thrive with the new ball and have consistently excelled in that role in recent seasons. Meanwhile, Rasikh Salam, despite posting respectable numbers at the death, remains relatively inexperienced at this level, making him an unproven option in high-pressure situations.
Fixtures
21 March : KKR vs RCB
28 March : CSK vs RCB
2 April : RCB vs GT
7 April : MI vs RCB
10 April : RCB vs DC
13 April : RR vs RCB
18 April : RCB vs PBKS
20 April : PBKS vs RCB
24 April : RCB vs RR
27 April : DC vs RCB
3 May : RCB vs CSK
9 May : LSG vs RCB
13 May : RCB vs SRH
17 May : RCB vs KKR
(Note : team on the Left is home team)
As always, optimism runs high among RCB fans ahead of the season. However, concerns over death bowling, vulnerabilities against spin in the middle overs, and the absence of a reliable wicket-taking spinner suggest that this campaign could once again end in heartbreak.
