As the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for another electrifying season in 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fanbase is filled with renewed hope, aspirations, and a collective yearning for their first championship title. However, the journey to triumph is seldom straightforward, and the performances of two pivotal players in 2024 have sparked concerns and conversations about what lies ahead. Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli, carrying both the expectations of their hefty price tags and the legacy of their performances, encountered significant challenges last season, casting shadows over their readiness for the upcoming IPL campaign.
Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the IPL 2025 auction for a sum of ₹5.75 crore, bringing with him the promise of versatility as an all-rounder. His stint with the ball in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 was relatively successful, where he managed to pick up 8 wickets in 9 matches with an average of 26.25 and an economy rate of 6.77. This performance suggested that he could be a reliable bowling option, especially in the middle overs where RCB often needed to stem the flow of runs.
However, it was his batting that painted a less rosy picture. In the same tournament, Krunal’s contribution with the bat was not up to the mark. He scored only 136 runs across 9 games, with a strike rate of 120.35. For someone expected to play the finisher’s role, bringing a calm approach and explosive finishes when needed, this was a disappointing output. Cricket fans and analysts expected more from Krunal, whose IPL career has been highlighted by his ability to change the game’s complexion with both bat and ball. His lower strike rate and inability to score quickly in crucial phases of the game could be a significant worry for RCB, as the team relies heavily on its middle order to set or chase high totals.
RCB’s strategy often involves leveraging the all-round capabilities of their players to maintain balance in the team. With Krunal, they hoped to have a player who could chip in with handy overs while also adding valuable runs lower down the order. His failure to deliver with the bat last season could mean a strategic rethink for RCB. If Krunal cannot rediscover his batting form, RCB might find their lower order brittle, potentially leading to a challenging season. His role isn’t just about numbers but about bringing stability and the occasional game-changing performance, which he has proven capable of in the past but failed to replicate in 2024.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the talismanic figure and likely captain for RCB in IPL 2025, has been the heart and soul of the franchise. However, 2024 was not a year to remember for Kohli, whose performances across formats were uncharacteristically subdued. He scored 655 runs in 32 innings across all formats, averaging just 21.83 with a strike rate of 73.34, numbers that are a stark contrast to his career averages and strike rates.
In T20 Internationals, Kohli’s struggles were even more pronounced, managing only 180 runs in 10 matches at an average of 18. His only notable performance was during the World Cup final, which, while memorable, was not enough to overshadow a season where he struggled to find his rhythm. Kohli’s retirement from T20Is adds another layer of complexity to his return to form in the shortest format. The transition from international cricket to the IPL, where the pressure is immense and the expectations even higher, isn’t always smooth, especially after a period of inconsistent performance.
Kohli’s form is not just a personal matter but a team concern. RCB has often banked on Kohli’s consistency and match-winning abilities. When he’s at his best, the team’s morale and performance elevate significantly. However, his form in 2024 raised questions about whether the weight of captaincy, combined with his international commitments, has begun to take a toll. As RCB looks to 2025, the focus will be on Kohli’s ability to bounce back. His leadership and batting prowess are crucial, but if he continues to struggle, it could lead to a dip in team confidence and performance, potentially mirroring last season’s disappointments.
Looking Forward
As we edge closer to IPL 2025, the narrative around Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli will be one of redemption and resurgence. Both players are at a juncture where their performances could either redefine their careers or see them grappling with the same issues. For RCB, the stakes are high. The team needs its stars to shine brightly, not just for the sake of individual accolades but to bring home the elusive IPL trophy.
The coming season will offer both Krunal and Kohli a platform to prove their detractors wrong. Krunal needs to rediscover his batting mojo, while Kohli must reclaim his throne as one of the best in the business. Their journey back to form will be watched closely, not just by fans of RCB but by cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The question looming large is whether these two will rise to the occasion or if RCB will need to pivot their strategy to accommodate new heroes.
