Eden Gardens, known for its batting-friendly pitches, has historically been a venue where batsmen can express themselves, often leading to high-scoring encounters. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025, it’s an opportunity to showcase some of their most potent batting talents. Here are three RCB players who could set this iconic stadium on fire:
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, coming off an exceptional IPL 2024 where he clinched the Orange Cap as the highest run-scorer, carries not just his bat but an intimidating legacy into Eden Gardens. His performances here have always been noteworthy, blending his ability to anchor the innings with explosive power-hitting when required. Kohli’s knack for reading the game, adapting to conditions, and manipulating the ball with precision makes him a formidable presence. On a pitch like Eden Gardens, where scoring is often easier, Kohli’s experience and form could dictate the match’s flow. His record at this venue suggests he could elevate Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s batting from good to spectacular, potentially setting the stage for some memorable innings.
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar has proven himself as a crucial part of RCB’s lineup, especially with his standout performances in domestic cricket. His 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign where he scored 428 runs with a strike rate of 186.08 showed his capability against both pace and spin. This form carried into the 2025 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where, although his strike rate was a more measured 107.1, he still managed an impressive average of 56.5. This adaptability is key on pitches like Eden Gardens, where the game’s tempo can shift. Patidar’s versatility allows him to either build an innings or accelerate as needed, making him a vital cog in RCB’s strategy. His technique against spin could be particularly effective here, potentially turning the match in RCB’s favor.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt, having previously played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), brings intimate knowledge of Eden Gardens to RCB. His experience on this ground is highlighted by his impressive IPL 2024 performance, where he scored 435 runs. Salt’s familiarity with the conditions at Eden Gardens, combined with his aggressive batting style, makes him a significant threat. His ability to score quickly from the outset could set a tone for RCB’s innings, providing a solid platform or finishing off a chase with flair. Salt’s knack for handling both pace and spin, honed over his time with KKR, could prove invaluable for RCB, especially in setting or chasing down big totals on this batting paradise.
The Eden Gardens Effect
Eden Gardens has always been known to favor batsmen, offering true bounce and smaller boundaries, which can turn matches into high-scoring spectacles. For RCB, this venue’s characteristics align perfectly with the strengths of Kohli, Patidar, and Salt. Kohli’s strategic play, Patidar’s adaptability, and Salt’s explosive starts could collectively make Eden Gardens a fortress for RCB in IPL 2025.
Their performances could not only entertain but also shift the dynamics of matches, potentially leading RCB to crucial victories. The synergy among these players, with each bringing a different approach to batting, could be the key to unlocking high scores and memorable victories at Eden Gardens.
In Summary
These three batters in their ranks, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has the firepower to light up Eden Gardens, turning it into a stage for cricketing excellence in IPL 2025. Their combined form, experience, and skill set could indeed set the stadium on fire, providing fans with thrilling cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a chance to cement their legacy on one of cricket’s most historic grounds.
