“Royal Challengers Bengaluru: A New Captain, Yet Familiar Challenges” | Cricbuzz.com

**IPL 2025 Team Preview: Anticipating Challenges as Royal Challengers Bangalore Embrace Leadership Changes**

*Author: Ganesh Chandrasekaran*

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) commence the IPL 2025 season under the guidance of a new captain, Rajat Patidar, who inherits a role fraught with challenges. Leading at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a notoriously high-scoring venue with its diminutive boundaries, presents a formidable test. RCB’s home record since 2017 attests to this, featuring the league’s lowest win percentage of 44.12%.

In preparation, RCB has strategically bolstered their squad with seasoned players such as Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood. Their experience is expected to be pivotal in navigating the home ground’s complexities and in determining RCB’s trajectory this season.

The batting line-up has been revamped with an English touch, introducing players like Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell, each possessing impressive T20 credentials. Salt, tasked with complementing Virat Kohli at the top, aims to replicate the successful partnerships of the past. Livingstone’s presence in the middle order, paired with his versatility in spin, could prove advantageous in strategic match-ups. Further firepower is provided by Tim David and Romario Shepherd, supported by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who steps in for Dinesh Karthik. The players’ current form will be critical to RCB’s success.

*Full Squad:*
Rajat Patidar (c), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Swastik Chikara, Krunal Pandya, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh, Mohit Rathee, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh.

*Probable Best XII:*
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma/Rasikh Dar Salam.

*Injury and Availability:*
Josh Hazlewood’s fitness remains a concern following a lengthy injury layoff. With alternative pace options like Lungi Ngidi and Nuwan Thushara available, RCB’s reliance on Hazlewood’s match fitness will greatly influence their bowling strategy.

*Key Player to Watch: Devdutt Padikkal*
Having once been hailed as Karnataka’s next batting sensation, Padikkal faces the opportunity to reclaim his stature in a top-order role suited to his strengths.

*Potential Breakout Star: Rasikh Dar Salam*
While his starting place is yet to be confirmed, Salam’s impactful performances with Delhi Capitals suggest promise at RCB. Given the Chinnaswamy’s challenging conditions, even small contributions could elevate RCB’s prospects.

*Fixture Analysis:*
RCB will face two away games before playing at home, concluding the league phase with consecutive matches in Bangalore. Should a tight race for playoff spots occur, familiarity with home conditions may offer them an edge.

*Home Ground Insight:*
Over the past two seasons, RCB’s reliance on spin has been minimal, recording an economy rate of 9.24 at the Chinnaswamy, among the league’s highest for spinners. With Krunal Pandya’s more economical figures, RCB aspires to enhance their spin efficiency to bolster their home performance.

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*© Cricbuzz*

*Tags:*
Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Indian Premier League 2025