RCB's Pursuit of IPL Glory-Is the 18th Season the Charm?

With the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season underway, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sets out once again in pursuit of their long-awaited first title. The team has been close on several occasions but has never quite gotten over the line at the right moment. This year, though, has a new breath of hope with a new captain at the forefront, an evenly balanced team, and a focus on effectiveness over talent. Will this be the year that RCB finally end their title famine? One would certainly want them to.

A Season of Turnarounds and Obstacles

Reflecting back on IPL 2024, RCB's season was one of rollercoasters. Having lost seven of their first eight games, their season appeared all but lost. But in a dramatic transformation, they went on to win six in a row, overtaking Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by a whisker on net run rate to earn a place in the playoffs. The momentum, however, was fleeting, as Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended their dream run in the Eliminator. With 2025 being their 18th year in the IPL, RCB wishes that this figure—happens to be the jersey number of their star man, Virat Kohli—brings them good fortune and a much-desired title.

New Leadership, New Direction

One of the biggest points of discussion before the new season is the elevation of Rajat Patidar as captain. Traditionally, RCB has depended on proven international stars to captain the side. This decision marks a change in approach, with the management focusing on leadership skills and performance rather than high-profile names. Patidar's elevation comes after an impressive domestic season, during which he was one of the most destructive batters in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Another evident shift in RCB's strategy is their judicious expenditure at the auction table. Contrary to the past seasons, when they splashed money on marquee names, this time they did not chase costly signatures like KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Rishabh Pant over a certain figure. Instead, they aimed at building their squad depth with multi-faceted players who can play in several roles.

Strengthening the Squad: A Balanced Approach

RCB has historically been strong on batting but weak with its bowling attack, especially at the run-scoring M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In an attempt to remedy this, they have strengthened their bowling unit by signing Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and seasoned Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a total of INR 23.25 crore. Their presence introduces stability into the attack, which has struggled to defend targets in the past.

The squad also contains a number of all-rounders, including Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya, that bring versatility with both bat and ball. Wicketkeeper batter Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma provide added depth to already powerful batting ranks. With its balanced team, RCB is better equipped than ever to push for the crown.

Key Players to Watch Out For

One of the most thrilling hopes for RCB this year is Jacob Bethell. The English youngster has already created ripples in international cricket with his big-hitting ability, left-arm spin, and exceptional fielding. His performances in the Under-19 World Cup, the T20 Blast, and domestic competitions have created a lot of buzz, and RCB supporters will be keen to witness what he has to offer in the IPL.

Another player to look out for is Rasikh Salam. His path has been nothing short of remarkable. After a two-year suspension on grounds of age fraud and being laid low with a stress injury, he had no luck with a spot in his state side. But all this changed under the guidance of Irfan Pathan and with a phenomenal IPL season in 2024 playing for Delhi Capitals. His slower back-of-the-hand balls, enhanced pace, and hitting ability at the lower order make him a worthy asset for RCB.

Challenges and Injury Concerns

Though having a solid lineup, RCB has a few challenges ahead of the season. Hazlewood's fitness continues to be in doubt after missing the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Champions Trophy because of a calf injury. Though he is likely to be fit in time for the IPL, how he is handled will be the key. The same applies to Bethell, who was also ruled out for the Champions Trophy with a hamstring injury but is said to be recovering well.

RCB's Probable Best XI

Phil Salt

Virat Kohli

Rajat Patidar (skipper)

Liam Livingstone

Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)

Jacob Bethell / Tim David

Krunal Pandya

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Yash Dayal

Josh Hazlewood

Suyash Sharma

Rasikh Salam / Devdutt Padikkal

Can RCB Clear the Last Obstacle?

One of the biggest questions going into IPL 2025 is whether RCB possesses the bowling depth to win games at their home stadium. The Chinnaswamy Stadium has traditionally been a batting paradise, and it has been tough for bowlers to keep runs in check. With Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar spearheading the attack and a combination of spin and pace options, RCB may finally possess the firepower to defend totals.

Their achievements will also rely on Patidar's captaincy. Though Kohli is still the emotional and inspirational skipper, one will be keenly watching how the young captain manages the pressures of captaining a franchise so hungry for success.

Statistical Highlight

Rajat Patidar's strike rate was 186.08 in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the best among the batters who scored more than 300 runs. He also scored the maximum sixes (27) in the competition.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's economy rate of 6.03 was the lowest among bowlers who had a minimum of ten wickets in the very same tournament.

RCB's six match-winning streak in IPL 2024 made it their second-longest winning streak ever, just short of the seven-match run in 2011 when they made it to the final.

Final Thoughts

With a new captain, a better balanced team, and a strategic change in their style of play, RCB is ready for another attempt at the title. The destiny of the team will rest on their ability to sustain consistency and play better under pressure compared to last years. Will the 18th season prove to be the year when RCB wins the IPL trophy? The fans hope so, and as usual, the anticipation is high.