IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview – SWOT Analysis, Playing XI, Squad | Cricket News

Virat Kohli (L) has backed the new captain Rajat Patidar to lead the team to glory in the IPL. NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with renewed hope after last season’s dramatic turnaround, where they clawed back from winning just one in eight matches at the start to make the playoffs, only to be stopped in the Eliminator. The upcoming edition marks a new era with Rajat Patidar as captain, reflecting a shift towards trusting local talent over big overseas names.They’ve added depth and balance to their squad. Reliable bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar aim to solve their long-standing bowling woes at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Multi-skilled players like Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya give them tactical flexibility.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The challenge will be for newly installer skipper Patidar who will have to marshal a squad blending experienced internationals and hungry domestic players. A key storyline is whether Phil Salt can complement Virat Kohli at the top and if Devdutt Padikkal can reignite his career.Virat Kohli set to return as RCB captain from the 2025 edition of the IPLRCB’s middle-order, once overly reliant on individual brilliance, now has layers with the likes of Tim David and Romario Shepherd adding explosiveness. The squad also reflects a more analytical approach to squad-building under Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, focusing on match-ups and roles rather than marquee signings alone.The bowling attack — historically a weak link at home — will be tested. Hazlewood’s fitness and Rasikh Salam’s emergence as a breakout candidate will be critical.With an improved support staff, a new-look squad, and key players needing to prove themselves, RCB’s hunt for that elusive first title enters yet another compelling chapter.Royal Challengers Bengaluru Auction Review: RCB had an excellent auction and have covered most basesRCB SWOT AnalysisStrengthsA more balanced squad compared to previous seasons, with depth in both batting and bowlingPower-packed middle and lower order featuring Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Jitesh SharmaImproved bowling resources with the addition of experienced pacers like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar KumarA more pragmatic approach at the auction focusing on roles over star powerHomegrown talent in Patidar leading the side could bring a fresh, fearless leadership styleWeaknessesHistorical struggles at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where high-scoring matches and spin woes persist. New leadership under Patidar could face pressure, given the team’s passionate fanbase and scrutiny over captaincyOver-reliance on Virat Kohli at the top and the unproven nature of the Phil Salt-Kohli opening pair. Injury clouds over key players like Hazlewood and Bethell may disrupt early momentum.OpportunitiesEmerging talents like Rasikh Salam and Jacob Bethell can break out and fill important roles. The new squad composition gives RCB a chance to improve their poor home record. Patidar has the opportunity to establish himself as a long-term leader.ThreatsHigh-pressure games at home could lead to familiar collapses if spin issues remain unresolved. Stiff competition in the mid-table battle from teams like CSK, RR, and LSG. Injuries to key players like Hazlewood or Livingstone could stretch the squad’s resourcesRCB Expected Playing XIVirat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash DayalRCB squad for IPL 2025Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee.Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.