IPL 2025: 3 RCB players who didn't get a chance to play

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait and lifted their maiden IPL title on June 3 by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final at Ahmedabad. The historic triumph was the result of consistent team performances, standout individual displays, and smart tactical decisions throughout the season.

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However, like every season, not every squad member got a chance to showcase their skills on the field. While several players rose to the occasion and played vital roles, a few promising names did not feature in a single game despite having the potential to contribute.

Here are three RCB players who didn’t get an opportunity to play in IPL 2025:

Swapnil Singh

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Swapnil Singh was a vital part of RCB’s squad in IPL 2024, playing seven matches in which he scored 37 runs and took six wickets. Impressed by his all-round performance, RCB got him using the Right to Match (RTM) card during the 2025 mega auction for INR 50 lakh.

Despite his previous contributions, Swapnil did not feature in any match this season. One of the possible reasons for his omission could be the presence and impact of Krunal Pandya, who played a crucial role with both bat and ball throughout the tournament, making it difficult to accommodate Swapnil in the playing XI.

Swastik Chikara

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RCB secured the services of 20-year-old Swastik Chikara for INR 30 lakh at the auction. The young batter from Ghaziabad made headlines with his performances in the 2024 Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he finished as the leading run-scorer with 499 runs in 12 innings at an average of 49.90 and a strike rate of 185.50.

Despite the buzz around his inclusion, Chikara did not get a single game in IPL 2025. However, fans noticed his constant presence around senior players, particularly Virat Kohli. Photos and videos of the youngster bonding with Kohli went viral.

Blessing Muzarabani

Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani joined RCB as a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi ahead of the playoffs. Ngidi departed after the league stage to join South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final.

RCB brought in Muzarabani for INR 75 lakh, and though he came with a strong international T20 record—78 wickets in 70 T20Is for Zimbabwe—he did not get a game in the crucial knockout stage. Even with the high stakes of the final, RCB opted to stick with their trusted bowling unit.

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