RCB IPL 2025 Squad Analysis: What Mike Hesson has to say?

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been one of the most consistent teams recently, qualifying for the playoffs in four of the last five IPL seasons. However, despite their strong performances, they have yet to win an IPL trophy, often faltering in the knockout stages.

In IPL 2024, RCB had a dramatic late resurgence, winning five consecutive matches to secure a playoff spot. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the first playoff game, once again failing to go beyond the Eliminator or Qualifier rounds. Heading into IPL 2025, RCB made bold moves, retaining only three players and choosing to rebuild their squad through the auction.

Retained Players Before the IPL 2025 Auction

RCB only retained three players, signaling a major transition:

1. Virat Kohli – The franchise’s most iconic player and their leading run-scorer.
2. Rajat Patidar – One of the most consistent domestic batters—was later announced as RCB’s new captain.
3. Yash Dayal – A young left-arm pacer, known for his ability to bowl in pressure situations.

With just three retained players, RCB entered the mega auction with a big budget, making several key signings.

RCB’s Probable Playing XI for IPL 2025

After a well-planned auction, here’s what RCB’s best XI looks like:

Key Players to Watch Out For in IPL 2025

RCB has invested heavily in game-changing players, and these names will be crucial to their success.

Phil Salt – The New Opener

• Replaces Faf du Plessis, who had a great partnership with Virat Kohli.
• Aggressive keeper-batter, but not in great form recently.
• If Salt struggles, RCB can open with Devdutt Padikkal because Jitesh Sharma is also a keeper.
• Padikkal is effective in the powerplay, but his strike rate and average drop significantly after that.
• If Padikkal opens, Jacob Bethell can come at No.3 to balance the middle order.

Krunal Pandya – The Only Left-Hander

• RCB’s only left-hander in a right-heavy batting lineup.
• Not a great finisher, but a good player of spin, making him a better No.5 option.
• Jitesh Sharma at No.6, taking over Dinesh Karthik’s finishing role.
• Backup: Manoj Bhandage, a six-hitting left-hander, who can replace Krunal if needed.

Tim David – Proven Finisher

• One of the best finishers in T20 cricket.
• Expected to thrive at Chinnaswamy, which suits his power-hitting style.
• Backup: Romario Shepherd, another power-hitting finisher who can also bowl medium pace.

Rasikh Salam Dar – The Mystery Pick

• RCB’s wildcard signing bowls with varied pace and change-ups.
• Specialist death bowler, expected to bowl a lot of overs in the last 10 overs.
• How will he perform at Chinnaswamy? It remains to be seen, given that it’s a flat batting-friendly deck.

Weaknesses in RCB’s Squad

Despite their strong batting lineup, RCB has some serious issues that could affect their playoff chances.

Lack of Quality Spin Bowlers

• No specialist frontline spinner – only Krunal Pandya & Liam Livingstone as part-time spinners.
• Impact Player Strategy:
  • They can bring in Swapnil Singh (safe left-arm option, performed well in past seasons).
  • Or Suyash Sharma (more aggressive wrist-spinner option).

Thin Indian Fast Bowling Bench Strength

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Yash Dayal are good, but if one gets injured, RCB lacks strong Indian backups.
• Backup Option: Avesh Khan or an overseas seamer (Ngidi or Thushara).

No Mystery Spinner

• Teams like KKR have Varun Chakravarthy, GT has Rashid Khan, but RCB has no such mystery spinner.
• If pitches assist spin, RCB could struggle defensively.

Strengths of RCB’s Squad

While RCB has concerns, there are strong positives that could make them playoff contenders.

Balanced Middle Order with Finishing Power

• Middle order features Livingstone, Patidar, Jitesh, Tim David – all strong hitters.
• Better finishing depth than previous seasons.

Experienced New-Ball Attack

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal form a strong powerplay bowling trio.
• All three can take the new ball, providing flexibility in matchups.
• If the ball swings, Bhuvi becomes a major threat, as he can swing both ways and bowl 3 overs in the powerplay.

Home Advantage – Must Win at Chinnaswamy

• If there’s life in the pitch, batting quality will shine, and players like Virat Kohli will thrive.
• RCB needs to win most of their home games to have a real shot at playoffs.

Can RCB Make the Playoffs in IPL 2025?

Mike Hesson remains doubtful about RCB’s playoff chances due to squad imbalances.

Hesson’s Prediction: 6th-8th Position

• RCB could struggle due to weak spin bowling & poor Indian seam backups.
• Their batting lineup is powerful, but if Salt or Livingstone fail, there’s no solid Plan B.
• Home performance will be key – if RCB dominates at Chinnaswamy, they could push for a top-four finish.

Final Verdict

RCB has a strong middle order and quality pacers, but their lack of spin and domestic backups could hurt them.

• If Salt, Patidar, and Livingstone fire, they are playoff contenders.
• If injuries hit their key pacers, RCB might struggle to stay competitive.

Do you think RCB can finally break their IPL trophy drought? Drop your predictions in the comments!

By—Lakshaya