As the IPL 2025 season looms on the horizon, fans of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are buzzing with anticipation about the team’s batting lineup.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has historically been known for its formidable batting units, yet success has eluded them in clinching the IPL title.
This year, however, with the presence of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar, there’s a palpable sense of optimism that this trio could be the key to unlocking Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s potential.
Here’s an in-depth look at how these players might bolster RCB’s campaign.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, often hailed as the modern master of cricket, enters the IPL 2025 with a significant change in his cricketing commitments.
After announcing his retirement from T20 Internationals, Kohli has shed the weight of international expectations, potentially leading to a more liberated and expressive version of his game.
In the 2024 IPL season, Kohli amassed 741 runs, a testament to his enduring class at the crease.
His T20 stats are nothing short of spectacular: in 399 matches, Kohli has scored 12886 runs at an average of 41.43, with a strike rate of 134.20.
His record boasts 9 centuries and 97 half-centuries, showcasing his consistency and ability to anchor innings or finish games.
With no international cricket pressure, Kohli might rediscover the joy of playing, leading to a season where he could play his most unrestrained cricket.
His role could be pivotal, providing both stability and acceleration when needed, making him the backbone of RCB’s batting strategy.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt has emerged as one of the most exciting talents from England in T20 cricket, bringing with him a dynamic opening approach that can set the tone for RCB’s innings.
In the 2024 IPL, Salt had a successful stint, adapting seamlessly to Indian conditions.
His T20 stats are impressive, with 6592 runs in 272 matches at an average of 27.23 and a strike rate of 155.10.
His aggressive style, evidenced by 3 centuries and 42 half-centuries, paired with his capability to keep wickets, adds an extra dimension to his utility for RCB.
Salt’s ability to take on bowlers from the outset can be crucial for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, especially on the small boundaries of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
His fearless approach against both pace and spin could disrupt bowling plans, providing Royal Challengers Bengaluru with explosive starts or quick recovery from early losses.
His inclusion might just be the spark Royal Challengers Bengaluru needs to ignite their innings time and again, setting up the stage for the likes of Kohli to capitalize.
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar’s journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been one of resilience and growth. Known for his performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), Patidar has shown he can translate his form into the IPL.
The 2024 IPL season saw him play well for RCB, and his T20 stats reflect his potential: 2463 runs in 75 matches at an average of 38.48, with a strike rate of 158.18. His highest score of 112* indicates his capability to play big knocks under pressure.
Patidar’s role in RCB’s batting lineup could be multifaceted.
He can stabilize innings, play the anchor role, or accelerate as required, offering flexibility that’s invaluable in T20 cricket.
His effectiveness against spin during the middle overs could be a significant advantage for RCB, especially on surfaces that offer turn.
Patidar’s performances could dictate the pace of the game, providing RCB with the option to either build a strong foundation or launch an assault when the situation demands.
The Collective Impact
Together, Kohli, Salt, and Patidar form a batting trio that could make RCB one of the most feared teams in IPL 2025.
Kohli’s experience and class, Salt’s aggressive intent, and Patidar’s versatility offer a blend of strategy, firepower, and adaptability.
This combination can address Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historical challenges with consistency and pressure situations.
Kohli’s leadership on the field, even if not as captain, could inspire the team, Salt’s energy could set the tone, and Patidar’s calm under pressure might be the glue that holds innings together.
Their ability to adapt to various match situations, whether it’s chasing down a high total or setting one, could be the key to RCB’s strategy.
Moreover, this trio not only brings skill but also a narrative of redemption, growth, and ambition.
Kohli aiming to win an IPL title with RCB, Salt looking to make a name in the IPL, and Patidar striving to cement his place in the cricketing world – their individual goals align with the collective aspiration of lifting the IPL trophy.
Looking Ahead
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on how Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar shape RCB’s campaign.
With their combined talents and performances in recent seasons, they stand to significantly strengthen RCB’s batting lineup.
This could be the year where RCB’s batting not only entertains but also leads them to a season where they finally clinch the IPL title, turning dreams into reality at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
