Will this be the year for Royal Challengers Bengaluru? This is the question that resonates among RCB supporters, who approach each new IPL season filled with optimism yet tinged with anxiety, having witnessed the team falter in various ways. Following a remarkable campaign last season, where they seemed out of contention only to stage a dramatic comeback, it is now time for a complete overhaul in Bengaluru. The previous cycle was relatively successful, with RCB frequently competing for playoff spots, but their current objective is to advance further, prompting the management to initiate a rebuild from the foundation.

In their IPL 2025 opener, RCB will face the Kolkata Knight Riders, who are returning with seven or eight players from last season. In contrast, Bengaluru has retained only three. Their star player, Virat Kohli, remains a formidable figure, coming off a season where he claimed the orange cap. Leading the team is a new Indian batter, as Rajat Patidar embarks on his captaincy journey at Eden Gardens.

Joining Kohli at the top of the order is Phil Salt, who is well-acquainted with batting in Kolkata and will also take on wicketkeeping duties for RCB. The team may also look to Liam Livingstone, a high-profile acquisition, to bat at number three. Although often seen as a finisher, Livingstone has achieved significant success in T20 cricket when batting higher up the order, as demonstrated in The Hundred. With Livingstone and Patidar positioned at three and four, RCB's middle order already boasts considerable power.

Jitesh Sharma adds another domestic batting option at number five, serving as a crucial link between the middle order and the later power hitters. Additionally, Krunal Pandya could fulfill a similar role, offering a left-handed pinch-hitting alternative, particularly advantageous against the spin of Chakravarthy and Narine.

The primary challenge facing RCB is the selection of an overseas batsman for the number six or seven position. Tim David possesses significant potential but has yet to make a notable impact in the IPL. Jacob Bethell, a promising left-handed batsman, raises concerns due to his limited experience at this level. Romario Shepherd, on the other hand, has the ability to hit powerful shots and adds an additional pace option to the lineup. While this presents RCB with a wealth of choices, it also highlights the difficulty of filling this crucial role.

Turning to the bowling department, Yash Dayal is the sole bowler retained by RCB, reflecting their confidence in the left-arm pacer. He will join forces with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and, if fit, Josh Hazlewood to form a formidable pace trio. This group brings consistency, experience, and tactical acumen in T20 cricket, even if they lack the raw speed that some other teams prioritize. Historically, pace has been a weak point for RCB, but the inclusion of Rasikh Salam, Lungi Ngidi, and Nuwan Thushara offers some reassurance.

In the spin department, Suyash Sharma, who made a mark at KKR, or potentially Swapnil Singh, could serve as impactful players, supported by the experience of Krunal Pandya and Livingstone. While this spin attack may not instill the same level of confidence as the Varun-Narine duo, it remains a competent option.

RCB likely XI vs KKR

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt (wk), Liam Livingstone, Rajat Patidar (c), Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma.

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