RCB’s IPL 2025 best playing XI features a balanced mix of explosive batters, experienced all-rounders, and skilled bowlers. With top-order stability, middle-order firepower, and depth in bowling, the team aims to challenge for the title. Key players include aggressive openers, versatile finishers, and strong bowlers in all phases.
1. Phil Salt (Overseas, Wicket-Keeper)
Phil Salt’s explosive batting style adds energy to RCB’s top order. His ability to take on pace bowlers from the beginning can provide quick starts, as seen in his impressive strike rate of 182 during the 2024 season for KKR, making him a key player for RCB’s aggressive approach.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the backbone of RCB, is set to lead from the front at the top of the order. His experience, consistency, and leadership make him a pivotal figure around which RCB’s strategy revolves. His record-breaking performances in international cricket only enhance his influence in the IPL.
3. Rajat Patidar
Patidar’s breakout season in 2024 has solidified his place in RCB’s middle order. His ability to handle both spin and pace, coupled with a strike rate of 177.13 in IPL 2024, makes him an invaluable asset, particularly on India’s turning tracks.
4. Liam Livingstone (Overseas)
Livingstone brings power and versatility to RCB’s batting lineup. Known for his ability to hit long sixes, his off-spin adds a strategic element, offering both batting depth and bowling options to disrupt opposition plans.
5. Krunal Pandya
Krunal’s signing brings balance to RCB’s lineup. His left-handed batting in the middle order counters specific bowling attacks, while his economical spin bowling in the middle overs provides an option that RCB has often lacked. This dual-threat strengthens both their batting and bowling departments.
6. Jitesh Sharma (Wicket-Keeper)
Jitesh Sharma, known for his ability to accelerate in the death overs, is set to be RCB’s designated finisher. His wicketkeeping skills also provide a backup to Salt, offering RCB added flexibility in team selection and allowing for tactical adjustments during matches.
7. Tim David (Overseas)
Tim David’s inclusion strengthens RCB’s late-innings firepower. Renowned for his clean hitting, particularly against spinners, David’s role will be pivotal in tight chases or when setting challenging totals, offering RCB a reliable big-hitting option in crucial moments.
8. Josh Hazlewood (Overseas)
Hazlewood’s return to RCB brings valuable experience and expertise in swinging the new ball. His economical spells during the powerplay and at the death could be crucial, making him a key player in RCB’s bowling attack, especially in the early and closing stages of innings.
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar, with his skill in swing and variations, pairs seamlessly with Hazlewood. His extensive experience in Indian conditions, along with his previous success in the IPL, including winning the Purple Cap twice, makes him an essential part of RCB’s bowling strategy.
10. Rasikh Dar
Rasikh provides RCB with an additional bowling option, particularly in the death overs, with his cutters and slower balls. His batting further strengthens the team, adding depth and making him a valuable all-round asset for the squad.
11. Yash Dayal
After a strong 2024 season, Dayal’s pace and versatility in different phases make him an exciting prospect for RCB. He will likely support the pace attack, taking on the role of a third or fourth seamer, providing depth and balance to the bowling lineup.
Impact Player – Swapnil Singh/Suyash Sharma:
Swapnil Singh can serve as a utility player, offering economical bowling and batting depth. Suyash Sharma, with his leg-spin, provides a crucial middle-overs option, particularly effective on spin-friendly pitches, adding versatility and balance to RCB’s lineup in IPL 2025.