RCB’s Best Playing XI for IPL 2025: Can Rajat Patidar’s Leadership Finally End the Title Drought?

1. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli continues to be the backbone of the RCB batting lineup. With more than 8000 runs in the IPL and a wealth of experience, Kohli’s consistency at the top of the order will be crucial. His ability to anchor the innings while providing a solid start will be key to RCB’s success in IPL 2025. As the captain, Kohli’s leadership will also play a vital role in guiding the team.

2. Phil Salt (WK)

Phil Salt brings firepower to RCB’s top order. Known for his explosive batting style, Salt is a natural match-winner who can take on bowlers from the first ball. His attacking approach will complement Kohli’s more composed style, allowing RCB to start their innings with flair and aggression. Salt will also take the gloves behind the stumps, offering additional value as a wicketkeeper-batter.

3. Rajat Patidar (C)

The newly appointed RCB captain, Rajat Patidar, has been in sublime form in recent IPL seasons. Known for his ability to play both pace and spin with ease, Patidar will be crucial in stabilizing the middle order. As the captain, his leadership will be tested, but his aggressive batting style and calm demeanor under pressure make him the ideal leader for RCB in IPL 2025.

4. Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone adds an explosive element to RCB’s middle order. The England all-rounder is known for his power-hitting ability and can clear the boundaries with ease. His part-time bowling adds depth to RCB’s bowling options, making him a versatile player. Livingstone’s role will be to accelerate the scoring in the middle overs and provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball when needed.

5. Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma has become one of the most destructive finishers in T20 cricket. His ability to hit big sixes and accelerate the run rate makes him a key asset in RCB’s middle-order. With his wicket keeping skills, Sharma provides RCB with a backup option behind the stumps while also contributing heavily with the bat, especially in the death overs.

6. Tim David

Tim David’s role as a finisher will be critical for RCB in IPL 2025. Known for his monstrous hitting, David has proven his credentials in leagues around the world. His ability to clear the ropes in the final overs will be crucial when RCB needs to put up a big total or chase down challenging targets. His calmness under pressure makes him a valuable asset in RCB’s lower order.

7. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives RCB the much-needed balance. The left-arm spinner will play an important role in the middle overs, while his batting skills allow him to provide crucial cameos in the lower order. Krunal’s experience in the IPL, combined with his versatility, will make him a key figure in RCB’s setup.

8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the most experienced pacers in the IPL. Known for his swing bowling, especially in the powerplay, Bhuvi will be crucial in providing RCB with early breakthroughs. His death-over skills and accuracy make him a valuable asset for the team. With over 180 IPL wickets to his name, Bhuvneshwar’s experience will be key in tight situations.

9. Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood will lead RCB’s pace attack in IPL 2025. The Australian pacer is known for his disciplined and consistent bowling. Hazlewood’s ability to bowl at high speeds while maintaining tight lines will be vital in keeping the pressure on the opposition. His knack for taking key wickets at crucial moments will make him a go-to bowler for RCB.

10. Yash Dayal

Yash Dayal will add variety to RCB’s pace attack with his left-arm fast bowling. He has shown promise in his IPL career, taking crucial wickets in important matches. Dayal’s ability to vary his pace and deliver yorkers in the death overs will be important for RCB, especially when defending totals. His raw pace and swing will be a useful asset for the team.

11. Suyash Sharma

Suyash Sharma, an emerging leg-spinner, will bring variety to RCB’s bowling attack. Known for his deceptive deliveries and control over the ball, Sharma’s role will be critical during the middle overs. His ability to break partnerships and bowl in pressure situations will make him a key figure in RCB’s spin department.

12. Rasikh Dar (Impact Player)

Rasikh Dar can serve as a valuable impact player for RCB, especially when the team needs a fresh, pace-bowling option. His raw pace and ability to generate bounce make him an exciting prospect in challenging conditions. Coming in as an impact player, Dar’s aggressive approach with the ball can disrupt the opposition’s batting lineup, particularly in the middle overs or during the powerplay. With seasoned bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood in the squad, Dar has the opportunity to learn and thrive under their guidance, adding depth to RCB’s bowling attack.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted Playing XI

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar (C), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar (Impact Player)

Catch RCB Best Playing XI at cricadium, follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram