By SRTeam The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have assembled a formidable squad for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talents to mount a serious challenge for their maiden IPL title.
Complete Team Squad List
Here is the comprehensive list of players for RCB in the 2025 IPL season:
| Player Name | Role | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Batsman | 21 crore |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | 12.50 crore |
| Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 11.50 crore |
| Rajat Patidar | Batsman | 11 crore |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 11 crore |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | 10.75 crore |
| Liam Livingstone | All-rounder | 8.75 crore |
| Rasikh Salam | Bowler | 6 crore |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | 5.75 crore |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler | 5 crore |
| Tim David | All-rounder | 3 crore |
| Suyash Sharma | Bowler | 2.60 crore |
| Jacob Bethell | All-rounder | 2.60 crore |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Batsman | 2 crore |
| Nuwan Thushara | Bowler | 1.6 crore |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | 1.5 crore |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler | 1 crore |
| Swapnil Singh | All-rounder | 50 lakh |
| Abhinandan Singh | Bowler | 30 lakh |
| Swastik Chikara | Batsman | 30 lakh |
| Mohit Rathee | Bowler | 30 lakh |
| Manoj Bhandage | All-rounder | 30 lakh |
Key Retentions and Acquisitions
RCB retained their stalwart, Virat Kohli, who remains the cornerstone of their batting lineup. Alongside him, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal were also retained, ensuring continuity and stability within the squad.
In the 2025 auction, RCB made strategic purchases to bolster both their batting and bowling departments:
- Josh Hazlewood: The Australian pacer brings experience and precision to RCB’s bowling attack, particularly in the powerplay and death overs.
- Phil Salt: An aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman, Salt adds firepower to the top order and provides flexibility with his dual role.
- Jitesh Sharma: A dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, Sharma offers depth to the middle order and enhances the squad’s domestic experience.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Renowned for his swing bowling and expertise with the new ball, Kumar’s inclusion strengthens RCB’s pace arsenal.
- Liam Livingstone: The English all-rounder is known for his explosive batting and handy leg-spin, making him a valuable asset in the middle order.
- Krunal Pandya: A versatile all-rounder, Pandya contributes with both bat and ball, and his left-arm spin adds variety to the bowling attack.
- Tim David: A powerful finisher, David’s hard-hitting abilities are expected to bolster RCB’s lower middle order.
- Lungi Ngidi: The South African fast bowler adds depth to the pace attack, known for his ability to generate bounce and pace.
Team Composition and Strategy
RCB’s 2025 squad reflects a strategic approach to address past deficiencies and enhance overall team balance:
- Batting Lineup: With Virat Kohli anchoring the top order, complemented by aggressive players like Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal, RCB’s batting lineup is both robust and dynamic. The middle order gains depth with the inclusion of Liam Livingstone and Tim David, both known for their explosive batting.
- Bowling Attack: The pace department is reinforced with the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Lungi Ngidi, offering a blend of pace, swing, and experience. The spin attack, featuring Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, provides variety and control, essential for middle-overs containment.
- All-Round Strength: The presence of versatile all-rounders such as Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, and Romario Shepherd offers flexibility in both batting and bowling, allowing for adaptable strategies based on match situations.
Expectations for the 2025 Season
With a well-rounded squad, RCB is poised to be a formidable contender in the IPL 2025 season. The strategic acquisitions address previous gaps, particularly in the bowling department, and the strengthened batting lineup promises consistent performances. The blend of experienced internationals and promising domestic talents provides the team with the depth and versatility required to adapt to various match scenarios.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the strong squad on paper, RCB will need to ensure team cohesion and effective utilization of resources. Injury management, particularly for key players like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, will be critical given the rigorous schedule of the IPL. Additionally, addressing middle-order collapses, which have been a concern in the past, will require consistent performances from players like Liam Livingstone and Tim David.
RCB also faces the challenge of balancing their playing XI to incorporate the wealth of talent they possess. Finding the right combination, especially with overseas players, will be crucial to their success. The team will also need to guard against over-reliance on Virat Kohli, ensuring contributions come from across the lineup.
Conclusion
RCB’s 2025 squad showcases their intent to break their title drought and emerge as IPL champions. With strategic acquisitions and a well-balanced team, they have addressed key weaknesses while building on their strengths. The presence of proven performers and rising stars gives them the depth and adaptability needed to contend with the best in the league.
As the new season approaches, the excitement among RCB fans is palpable. With the tagline “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This time, the cup is ours) echoing louder than ever, Royal Challengers Bengaluru look ready to turn their potential into a championship-winning campaign. All eyes will be on the red and gold as they aim to script history in IPL 2025.