In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian Premier League, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have ushered in a new era of leadership with Rajat Patidar taking the helm on February 13, 2025.
As the team prepares for another season, the spotlight often shines on the star players, but there are those whose talents might not see the light of the day.
Let’s delve into the stories of three RCB players who might warm the bench more than they’d like this season.
Swastik Chikara, a young and promising batsman, has shown glimpses of brilliance in domestic cricket.
However, the transition from domestic to IPL level is daunting, especially when you’re surrounded by cricketing giants.
With Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Jitesh Sharma already staking their claim for the batting positions, Chikara’s opportunities might be severely limited.
These players have not only the experience but also the consistency that comes with facing world-class bowling attacks season after season.
Virat Kohli, with his unparalleled record in the IPL, is a guaranteed starter, while Salt and Sharma bring their own brand of aggression and finesse to the opening and middle order respectively.
For Chikara, every net session becomes a battle for recognition, a chance to prove that he can handle the pressure of international bowlers.
Yet, with such competition, his journey might be more about learning from the sidelines than making an immediate impact on the field.
Manoj Bhandage’s case is one of potential overshadowed by established versatility. As an all-rounder, Bhandage has the skill set to contribute both with bat and ball, but in RCB’s current setup, he faces stiff competition.
Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, and Swapnil Singh are already jockeying for the all-rounder spots, each bringing something unique to the table.
Livingstone’s explosive batting and off-spin, Pandya’s seasoned game awareness, and Singh’s recent performances have all carved out significant roles for themselves.
Bhandage, despite his talent, might find himself as the fifth wheel in a team where every slot in the XI is fiercely contested.
His journey could become one of patience, learning to refine his skills and wait for an opportunity that might come from an injury or a dip in form among the first-choice players.
Abhinandan Singh faces perhaps the toughest challenge among the trio, as he vies for a spot in a bowling lineup teeming with international stars.
With Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s swing, Rasikh Dar’s pace, Josh Hazlewood’s reliability, and Nuwan Thushara’s variety, the bowling attack looks set.
Singh’s domestic performances, while commendable, might not be enough to edge out these seasoned campaigners who have proven their mettle in various conditions.
For Singh, every practice session, every net thrown, is a silent audition for a chance to prove he can match the intensity and skill of his competitors.
However, in a team where match-winners are aplenty, his role might be more about supporting from the sidelines, providing data, insights, and perhaps the occasional impact substitute appearance.
The challenge for these players isn’t just about their cricketing ability but also about fitting into the tactical puzzle that Patidar will lay out for RCB.
The new captain, known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, will have tough decisions to make.
It’s not just about who plays but how each player can contribute to the team’s strategy, whether through direct participation or through their presence in the squad.
For Chikara, Bhandage, and Singh, the season might be about resilience, about harnessing the experience of being around some of the best cricketers in the world.
It’s an opportunity to grow in the shadows of giants, to learn from their approach, their discipline, and their game knowledge.
The IPL, after all, isn’t just about the matches played but also about the stories of those waiting for their moment, the unsung heroes who might one day emerge from the bench to take center stage.
As RCB fans and followers look forward to the season, they should also keep an eye on these three players.
Their journey this IPL could be one of quiet growth, of learning the nuances of the game at the highest level, and perhaps, if fortune smiles, of seizing unexpected opportunities.
Under Patidar’s captaincy, the narrative of RCB will not just be about the victories or the defeats but also about the silent contributors who might just be the next big thing in cricket.
