The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a crucible where teams are forged and legacies are built, but for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2025 season might be fraught with challenges that could see them miss the playoffs. Here’s an in-depth look at the top three reasons why RCB might not qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Out of Form Batters
The batting prowess of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has largely been carried by Virat Kohli over the years, but as IPL 2025 approaches, there’s a palpable concern over his form. Kohli, who has been a consistent run-scorer for both India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, seemed to struggle in recent international outings. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was lackluster, with just one century to his name, and his form in the ODIs against Sri Lanka was even poorer. This dip in form could be a significant concern for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, given their over-reliance on him.
However, Kohli isn’t the only one facing form issues. Phil Salt, another key player expected to bolster RCB’s top order, has also had his share of struggles. His performance in the T20Is against West Indies was particularly disappointing, where he failed to make a significant impact. Salt was brought in with high expectations to provide a solid opening partnership or a formidable middle-order presence, but his recent form suggests otherwise. When key players like Kohli and Phil Salt are not in top shape, it places enormous pressure on the rest of the batting lineup, which might not have the depth or the current form to compensate for these losses. This scenario could lead to RCB posting below-par scores or collapsing under pressure, both detrimental in a high-stakes tournament like the IPL.
No Reliable Spin Bowling Choices
RCB has traditionally been known for its pace bowling attack, but the spin department remains a glaring weakness. Heading into IPL 2025, the team’s spin bowling options are notably weak. The primary spinners on the roster include part-timers like Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, and Krunal Pandya, none of whom are specialists in this role. Livingstone, primarily a batsman, has shown some promise with the ball, but his effectiveness can be inconsistent. Swapnil Singh and Krunal Pandya, while useful in certain situations, do not instill confidence as primary spin options in a competition where spin can be decisive.
The only full-time spinner in the squad is Suyash Sharma, an exciting young talent but still uncapped and relatively untested in the high-pressure environment of the IPL. The lack of a seasoned, reliable spinner could be a significant handicap for RCB, especially on pitches that assist spin or in the middle overs where spinners are crucial for control and wickets. This weakness could be exploited by teams with stronger spin departments, making it difficult for RCB to defend scores or restrict opponents, thereby impacting their chances of making the playoffs.
Over Dependence on Virat Kohli
Perhaps the most critical issue for RCB is their over-dependence on Virat Kohli. While Kohli’s stature in cricket is undeniable, expecting him to carry the team, especially when he’s not at his best, is a risky strategy. Even with players like Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar, who have shown flashes of brilliance, the team’s strategy has often revolved around Kohli’s performances. Patidar has been a revelation at times, but his consistency can waver, and Salt’s recent form doesn’t inspire confidence in taking up the bulk of the scoring responsibilities.
This dependency not only puts immense pressure on Kohli but also means that if he has an off day or gets dismissed early, the batting line-up might struggle to recover. In cricket, especially in a tournament format like the IPL, where every game counts, a team cannot afford to hinge its success on one player. The lack of a balanced scoring approach across the batting order could be RCB’s Achilles’ heel, particularly if Kohli’s form does not improve or if he faces a season of injuries or poor performances.
Looking Ahead
While RCB has the potential and history to challenge for the IPL trophy, the combination of out-of-form batters, a weak spin department, and an over-reliance on Virat Kohli could very well keep them out of the playoffs in IPL 2025. For RCB to overturn these predictions, they would need significant improvements in these areas or a strategic overhaul in how they approach the game. However, as cricket is a game of chances and comebacks, RCB might still surprise us if they manage to address these critical issues.
