As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans are brimming with excitement, especially about the team’s batting prowess.
With seasoned players and emerging talents, Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s batting order is set to be one of the league’s most explosive.
Here, we focus on three batters who could have a stellar season: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, often regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has a record that speaks volumes.
With 399 T20 matches under his belt, he has amassed 12886 runs at an average of 41.43, including 9 centuries and 97 half-centuries.
His strike rate of 134.20 shows his ability to accelerate when needed. In the IPL 2024, Kohli scored 741 runs, showcasing his undiminished prowess at the crease.
What makes Kohli’s participation in IPL 2025 particularly interesting is his retirement from T20 Internationals.
This decision could mean he approaches the IPL with a different mindset – one void of the international pressure that often comes with representing the national side.
Fans can expect Kohli to play with a sense of liberation, possibly leading to a season where he not only scores runs but does so in a manner that’s both entertaining and effective.
Without the weight of international expectations, Kohli might just rediscover his love for the game, playing with the joy and flair that has defined his career.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt, the English dynamo, has been making waves in T20 cricket across the globe. His T20 stats are impressive, with 6592 runs in 272 matches at an average of 27.23.
His strike rate of 155.10 reflects his aggressive approach, capable of turning the game on its head with his quick scoring.
Salt’s performance in the 2024 IPL was successful, where he adapted well to Indian conditions, providing a strong start for KKR at the top of the order.
Joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Salt brings with him the promise of explosive starts, potentially setting up the innings for the likes of Kohli and others to capitalize on.
His ability to handle both pace and spin, combined with his wicket-keeping skills, makes him a versatile asset.
For IPL 2025, Salt could be the catalyst Royal Challengers Bengaluru needs at the opening, especially on the small boundaries of Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.
His fearless batting could lead to numerous match-winning knocks, establishing him as a fan favorite and a key player in RCB’s chase for the elusive IPL trophy.
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar has been a revelation for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, particularly in the 2024 IPL season where he showcased his class.
With a T20 record of 2463 runs in 75 matches at an average of 38.48 and a strike rate of 158.18, Patidar has proven his mettle.
His highest score of 112* is a testament to his capability to play long, impactful innings.
His recent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) further underline his form and consistency in domestic cricket.
Patidar’s rise has been one of resilience and hard work, transitioning from a promising domestic player to a pivotal figure in RCB’s lineup.
In IPL 2025, he could be the backbone of Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s middle order, offering stability along with the firepower to accelerate.
His knack for targeting spinners in the middle overs could be crucial, especially in conditions where spinners might otherwise dictate terms.
Patidar’s performance might not just be about runs but about taking RCB closer to matches when they need it the most.
The Collective Impact
Together, Kohli, Salt, and Patidar form a formidable batting trio. Kohli’s experience, Salt’s aggression, and Patidar’s consistency could mean RCB has one of the league’s strongest batting line-ups.
This combination offers a balance between experience and youth, firepower and strategy, which could be particularly lethal in a format where momentum can shift within a few overs.
Kohli’s leadership by example, Salt’s potential to provide electrifying starts, and Patidar’s ability to anchor or accelerate as needed could make RCB a team to watch closely in IPL 2025.
Their performances could not only entertain but also significantly contribute to RCB’s quest to win their first IPL title.
Looking Ahead
As IPL 2025 beckons, the anticipation around these three RCB batters is palpable. Kohli, with his newfound freedom, might play some of his best cricket. Salt, with his aggressive intent, could redefine RCB’s approach in the powerplay. And Patidar, with his consistent performances, might just be the glue that holds the innings together. Together, they represent not just the present but also the future of RCB’s batting, potentially leading them to a season where they not only entertain but also conquer.
