Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged from the IPL 2025 auction with a reinforced squad and high hopes of finally clinching their maiden title. Securing 19 players across two days, RCB spent heavily on marquee names like Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and England opener Phil Salt. The team also made waves on Day 2 by signing India’s seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ₹10.75 crore, along with power-hitter Tim David for ₹3 crore.
Here’s a detailed analysis of RCB’s squad composition, auction strategy, and prospects for the upcoming IPL season.
RCB IPL 2025 Squad: Full List
Retained Players:
- Virat Kohli (₹21 crore): The face of RCB and one of the most consistent performers in IPL history.
- Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore): A dependable middle-order batter who rose to prominence in IPL 2022.
- Yash Dayal (₹5 crore): A left-arm pacer with the ability to swing the ball upfront.
New Signings:
- Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore): A premier fast bowler known for his accuracy and ability to bowl in the death overs.
- Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore): An aggressive English opener with a reputation for explosive starts.
- Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crore): A dynamic wicketkeeper-batter who can provide quick runs in the middle order.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore): A seasoned Indian pacer with exceptional powerplay skills.
- Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore): A versatile all-rounder and hard-hitting middle-order batter.
- Rasikh Dar (₹6 crore): A promising Indian pacer.
- Krunal Pandya (₹5.75 crore): An experienced all-rounder with a knack for breakthroughs.
- Suyash Sharma (₹2.60 crore): A young leg-spinner with potential.
- Tim David (₹3 crore): A power-hitter capable of finishing games.
- Romario Shepherd (₹1.50 crore): A Caribbean all-rounder known for his big hitting.
- Nuwan Thushara (₹1.60 crore): A Sri Lankan pacer with slingy action, often compared to Malinga.
- Manoj Bhandage (₹30 lakh): A domestic talent adding depth.
- Jacob Bethell (₹2.60 crore): A promising young batter from England.
- Devdutt Padikkal (₹2 crore): A former RCB opener returning to the fold.
- Swastik Chhikara (₹30 lakh): A domestic player adding backup strength.
- Lungi Ngidi (₹1 crore): A South African pacer known for his variations.
- Abhinandan Singh (₹30 lakh): A domestic all-rounder with potential.
- Mohit Rathee (₹30 lakh): A backup spinner for squad depth.
Key Highlights of RCB’s Auction Strategy
1. Revamping the Bowling Attack
RCB’s significant investment in the bowling department reflects their commitment to addressing past weaknesses. The acquisitions of Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore) form a formidable pace duo. Hazlewood brings accuracy and death-over expertise, while Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the ball in the powerplay makes him invaluable.
The addition of overseas bowlers like Nuwan Thushara and Lungi Ngidi provides variety, while domestic talents like Yash Dayal and Rasikh Dar ensure a balanced pace attack.
2. Power-Hitters and Middle-Order Firepower
RCB has bolstered its batting lineup with the inclusion of Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David. Salt is expected to partner with Virat Kohli at the top, providing explosive starts. Livingstone and Tim David add depth and power to the middle order, making RCB’s batting one of the strongest on paper.
3. Strengthening the All-Rounder Department
The franchise has prioritized multi-dimensional players, with key signings like Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, and Romario Shepherd. These players offer flexibility in team combinations and ensure contributions in both batting and bowling.
4. Focus on Wicketkeeping Options
The ₹11 crore investment in Jitesh Sharma underscores RCB’s focus on dynamic wicketkeeper-batters. Sharma’s ability to bat aggressively in the middle order makes him a vital cog in the RCB lineup.
Star Signings: Impact Players for RCB
1. Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore)
Hazlewood’s reputation as a consistent performer in T20 cricket makes him a key asset. His ability to bowl tight lines and deliver under pressure adds immense value to RCB’s bowling unit.
2. Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore)
Salt’s aggressive batting style is a perfect complement to Kohli’s consistency at the top. His ability to clear the infield in the powerplay could set the tone for big totals.
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore)
Bhuvneshwar’s experience and swing-bowling expertise make him a critical signing. His ability to bowl economical overs in the powerplay and at the death will be instrumental in RCB’s success.
4. Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore)
Livingstone’s versatility as a batter and bowler makes him a match-winner. He can accelerate the scoring in the middle overs and provide a few crucial overs of spin when needed.
Strengths of RCB’s Squad Post-Auction
1. Balanced Bowling Lineup
With Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, Yash Dayal, and Ngidi, RCB has a diverse and potent bowling attack capable of adapting to different conditions.
2. Explosive Batting Core
The combination of Kohli, Salt, Livingstone, and Tim David ensures a dynamic batting lineup. These players have the ability to post or chase down big totals.
3. Depth in All-Rounders
Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, and Livingstone provide flexibility and strengthen both batting and bowling departments.
Challenges and Weaknesses
1. Dependence on Key Players
RCB’s success heavily depends on the performances of Kohli, Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar. Injuries or a dip in form for any of these players could derail their campaign.
2. Spin Department Concerns
Despite signing Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, RCB lacks a world-class spinner who can dominate on turning tracks.
3. Middle-Order Stability
While the addition of power-hitters is promising, the middle order could struggle in case of early collapses. Finding a consistent anchor to balance the aggression will be crucial.
Predicted Playing XI for RCB in IPL 2025
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar
- Liam Livingstone
- Tim David
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma
Conclusion
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have emerged from the IPL 2025 auction with a squad brimming with potential. By securing key players like Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB has addressed key gaps and bolstered its roster for a strong campaign. The team’s mix of experienced internationals and promising domestic talent makes it one of the most balanced squads this season.
However, challenges such as dependence on key players and a slightly underwhelming spin department must be addressed to maximize their chances of clinching the elusive IPL trophy. With Virat Kohli leading the charge and a stellar supporting cast, RCB fans have every reason to be optimistic about IPL 2025.
