IPL 2025: Will It Be Lucky Number 18 For Virat Kohli And The New-Look RCB?

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Last Updated:March 17, 2025, 16:39 IST

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Preview IPL 2025: Under the new leadership of Rajat Patidar, a rejuvenated RCB aims to make their mark and lift the trophy that has eluded them all this while.

Year no. 18 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s legendary no. 18 Virat Kohli is upon us, leaving many wondering whether this could be the year that the franchise finally seals the deal and lays claim to the coveted IPL trophy that has eluded it for so long.

After a thrilling comeback in the 2024 season, which saw them clinch a playoff spot with a victory over rivals Chennai Super Kings in a virtual knockout, RCB failed to capitalize on their impressive win streak and fall victim yet again in the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals.

Now, with the need for dire change having transpired into reality, as new captain Rajat Patidar takes the reigns, RCB will be hoping that their time to shine has finally arrived. Following a surprising IPL 2025 Mega Auction, which saw them let go of their veterans, such as Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell, and focus on bringing in players for their specific roles rather than personalities, RCB seems to have reinvented itself.

With the expertise of veteran Josh Hazlewood, who was bought for a whopping Rs 12.50 crore, and the aid of multi-dimensional talents of Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya, the new-look RCB will be aiming to fulfill their long-lasting dream.

How RCB Fared In IPL 2024

RCB faced a roller-coaster IPL 2024 season, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Under the leadership of captain Faf du Plessis and coach Andy Flower, RCB began the season with a series of challenges, securing only one win from their first eight matches. They even spent some time at the bottom of the table.

However, a remarkable turnaround saw them win six consecutive games, propelling them to the playoffs. In the Eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, RCB’s journey concluded with a four-wicket loss, ending their pursuit of the title.

Kohli’s stellar performance was a highlight of RCB’s season. He amassed 741 runs, earning the Orange Cap for the tournament’s highest run-scorer. His consistent contributions were pivotal in RCB’s mid-season resurgence. Yash Dayal led the team’s attack on the bowling front with 15 wickets, providing crucial breakthroughs throughout the season.

Strongest Playing 11

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

Impact Sub: Devdutt Padikkal/Rasikh Dar

Full Squad Of RCB For IPL 2025

Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh and Mohit Rathee.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Schedule

KKR vs RCB – 7:30 pm – March 22 – Kolkata

CSK vs RCB – 7:30 pm – March 28 – Chennai

RCB vs GT – 7:30 pm – April 2 – Bengaluru

MI vs RCB – 7:30 pm – April 7 – Mumbai

RCB vs DC – 7:30 pm – April 10 – Bengaluru

RR vs RCB – 3:30 pm – April 13 – Jaipur

RCB vs PBKS – 7:30 pm – April 18 – Bengaluru

PBKS vs RCB – 3:30 pm – April 20 – Mullanpur

RCB vs RR – 7:30 pm – April 24 – Bengaluru

DC vs RCB – 7:30 pm – April 27 – Delhi

RCB vs CSK – 7:30 pm – May 3 – Bengaluru