RCB Playing XI, IPL 2025: Best probable playing XI of Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been home to several global cricket stars but are still chasing their elusive maiden title. They have finished as runners-up three times (2009, 2011, and 2016) and reached the playoffs in nine seasons.

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Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, RCB retained only three players: Virat Kohli for ₹21 crore, Rajat Patidar for ₹11 crore, and Yash Dayal for ₹5 crore. In the auction, they bolstered their squad with 19 additions, forming a 22-member team ready to make a strong push this season. 

However, a major question looms over the captaincy. With Faf du Plessis neither retained nor re-signed, reports suggest Kohli might reclaim the leadership role. Other options include England’s Phil Salt, who brings international captaincy experience, and Rajat Patidar, who recently led Madhya Pradesh to their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in 2024 while amassing 347 runs in nine games.

Kohli is expected to open the innings alongside the explosive England wicketkeeper-batter Salt, who was a standout performer for the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, last season. At number three, Patidar’s stability will be crucial, followed by Devdutt Padikkal at number four. 

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Returning to his former team, Padikkal will play a key role in maintaining balance. However, he can be an opening option also. England’s dynamic all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australia’s power-hitter Tim David are poised to form a formidable middle-order pairing, with Livingstone also capable of contributing vital overs with the ball.

Krunal Pandya, at number seven, will bring his wealth of IPL and domestic experience, adding depth with both bat and ball. The bowling unit will be spearheaded by veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, supported by Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and young spinner Suyash Sharma, who could be RCB’s trump card this season. 

Lungi Ngidi may step in as a replacement for Hazlewood in certain matches, depending on conditions and the Aussie pacer’s fitness. Jacob Bethell, England’s young and promising talent, could also emerge as an exciting option. While finding a spot for him in the playing XI might be challenging, his inclusion adds further intrigue to RCB’s lineup.

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Here is the best probable RCB Playing XI for the IPL 2025

Phil Salt (wk), Virat Kohli (c), Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

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