As the IPL 2025 season beckons, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stand at the cusp of potentially rewriting their narrative in the league. Known for their star-studded line-ups and passionate fan base but yet to secure the IPL trophy, RCB could see a significant shift in fortunes with four pivotal players in their ranks: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Each brings a unique set of skills that could alter Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s gameplay, strategy, and, ultimately, their fortunes.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has been synonymous with Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the inception of the IPL. His performance in IPL 2024 was nothing short of legendary, where he clinched the Orange Cap by scoring 741 runs in 15 matches. This accolade, awarded to the highest run-scorer, underscores Kohli’s pivotal role not just in scoring but in anchoring Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s innings. His ability to adapt, whether it’s playing the sheet anchor or accelerating when required, makes him an indispensable part of the team.
Kohli’s experience, leadership, even off the field, and his knack for performing under pressure are what RCB needs to navigate through the high-stakes environment of the IPL. His presence alone can uplift the morale of the team, providing the psychological edge needed in crucial matches. For IPL 2025, Kohli’s role extends beyond his bat; it’s about setting the tone, mentoring the young brigade, and ensuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s strategy aligns with victory.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt, previously with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a reputation for being an explosive opener. In the 2024 IPL season, he scored 435 runs in 12 innings, known for his ability to give the innings a blast start. His aggressive batting style, particularly in the powerplay, can set a daunting pace for the opposition right from the outset.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have often struggled with consistent starts, Salt’s inclusion promises to address this gap. His wicket-keeping skills add another dimension, allowing Royal Challengers Bengaluru to manage their overseas players flexibly. His performance could be the key in matches where early momentum is vital, potentially changing the course of games with his aggressive approach against both pace and spin from the get-go.
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar has shown signs of becoming a middle-order maverick for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His impressive form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, scoring 400 runs in just 9 innings at an average of 57 with 27 sixes, signals his readiness to take on the IPL challenge. In IPL 2024, Patidar scored 395 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 177.13, particularly excelling against spinners in the latter part of the season.
Patidar’s ability to stabilize and then accelerate the innings in the middle phase can be a game-changer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His knack for hitting big sixes, especially against spin, could disrupt opposition plans, providing Royal Challengers Bengaluru with the firepower needed in the middle overs. His growth from a promising talent to a potential match-winner could significantly influence Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting depth and strategy.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s inclusion in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s squad for IPL 2025 is a strategic move, bringing in experience and skill in both powerplay and death overs. In IPL 2024, he took 11 wickets in 16 innings with a strike rate of 31.09, although his average was higher at 48.45. His ability to bowl two maidens in 342 balls delivered showcases his control and precision.
Kumar’s experience in managing the game’s end, with his swing bowling at the start and yorkers at the finish, could provide RCB with the balance they’ve often lacked. His tactical acumen, especially in setting up batsmen, could be the difference in tight situations, offering Royal Challengers Bengaluru a seasoned campaigner to lead their pace attack and guide the younger bowlers. His role will be pivotal in giving Royal Challengers Bengaluru the bowling edge they need to defend totals or restrict opponents to manageable scores.
Looking Forward
The combination of Kohli’s leadership and batting prowess, Salt’s explosive starts, Patidar’s middle-order destruction, and Kumar’s bowling strategy could indeed change RCB’s fortunes in IPL 2025. Each player brings something unique to the table, promising not just individual brilliance but a cohesive team effort that has eluded RCB in past seasons. If these four can align their peaks with RCB’s needs, the team might finally translate their potential into the much-coveted IPL trophy, turning years of heartbreak into a celebration of triumph.
