As the clock ticks down to the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stand on the cusp of yet another campaign filled with hope, ambition, and the weight of an elusive title chase. On March 20, 2025, with just two days until their season opener against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, RCB today news in the spotlight. The franchise, one of the IPL’s most popular yet trophyless teams, has undergone a significant transformation for the 18th edition of the tournament. With a revamped squad, a new captain in Rajat Patidar, and the ever-present talisman Virat Kohli, RCB are poised to rewrite their narrative. This article delves into the latest news surrounding RCB, their IPL 2025 squad, key players, strategic shifts, and the buzz as they gear up for the season.
A Fresh Start After the Unbox Event
The RCB Unbox Event 2025, held on March 17 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, marked the official launch of the franchise’s IPL campaign. Fans packed the stands to witness the unveiling of the new jersey, the introduction of the men’s and women’s squads, and a unique Skills Challenge that showcased the team’s talent. The event was a celebration of RCB’s bold new chapter, with performances from artists like Sanjith Hegde and DJ Chetan adding to the festive atmosphere. For the 12th Man Army—RCB’s passionate fanbase—it was a chance to see their heroes up close, including Kohli, who remains the emotional heartbeat of the franchise.
Head coach Andy Flower and captain Rajat Patidar addressed the crowd, emphasizing unity, balance, and a renewed focus on ending the title drought. Flower, who took over in 2023 and guided RCB to the playoffs in 2024, highlighted the squad’s evolution. “This is a more balanced team than we’ve had in previous editions,” he said, a sentiment echoed in his recent BBC Stumped podcast interview. The Unbox Event also signaled the start of full-squad practice, with most players—barring those involved in the Champions Trophy—already in camp by March 12.
The IPL 2025 Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth
RCB’s squad for IPL 2025 reflects a deliberate shift from their historically batting-heavy approach to a more rounded unit. After retaining just three players—Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal—before the mega auction, the franchise hit the reset button. The auction in Jeddah saw RCB spend strategically, acquiring a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Here’s the full squad as confirmed:
- Retained Players: Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore), Yash Dayal (INR 30 lakh).
- Auction Signings: Phil Salt (INR 11.5 crore), Josh Hazlewood (INR 12.25 crore), Liam Livingstone (INR 8.75 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (INR 11 crore), Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 crore), Krunal Pandya (INR 5.75 crore), Tim David (INR 5 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (INR 2 crore), Rasikh Salam (INR 2 crore), Suyash Sharma (INR 1.9 crore), Jacob Bethell (INR 2.5 crore), Romario Shepherd (INR 1.5 crore), Nuwan Thushara (INR 1.6 crore), Lungi Ngidi (INR 1 crore), Swapnil Singh (INR 50 lakh), Abhinandan Singh (INR 30 lakh), Swastik Chikara (INR 30 lakh), Mohit Rathee (INR 30 lakh), Manoj Bhandage (INR 30 lakh).
With 22 players, RCB have assembled a roster that balances explosive batting, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack—a departure from past seasons where their bowling often faltered under pressure at the small Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Key Players To Watch
- Virat Kohli: The cornerstone of RCB, Kohli enters IPL 2025 with a point to prove. Retained for a staggering INR 21 crore, he remains the highest-paid player in the squad. After retiring from T20Is, Kohli’s focus is squarely on the IPL, and his hunger for a title is palpable. His net sessions, which began earlier this week, have already gone viral, with fans marveling at his intensity. Last season, he scored 741 runs, including a century, and his form will be critical.
- Rajat Patidar (Captain): The 31-year-old middle-order batter steps into the captaincy role vacated by Faf du Plessis, who now plays for Delhi Capitals. Patidar, retained for INR 11 crore, brings a calm demeanor and a strike rate of 158.85 from 28 IPL matches. His leadership will be tested early, especially with Kohli’s towering presence in the dressing room. AB de Villiers, in a JioStar media session, noted that Patidar’s biggest challenge will be overcoming “insecurity” while stepping into such big shoes.
- Phil Salt: The explosive England opener, signed for INR 11.5 crore, adds firepower at the top. Known for his aggressive strokeplay, Salt’s 435 runs at a strike rate of 182 in IPL 2024 with KKR make him a perfect foil for Kohli. His arrival in camp is expected by March 15, alongside other overseas stars.
- Josh Hazlewood: Returning to RCB for INR 12.25 crore, the Australian pacer is the most expensive buy from the auction. With 12 wickets in 12 IPL matches, Hazlewood’s ability to extract bounce and maintain pressure will bolster a bowling unit that has historically struggled. De Villiers emphasized that Hazlewood’s fitness throughout the season could be a game-changer.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The veteran Indian seamer, acquired for INR 11 crore, brings experience and swing bowling prowess. His excitement about returning to RCB, where he played in 2014, was evident in pre-season comments. Alongside Hazlewood, he forms a formidable new-ball pairing.
- Liam Livingstone: The English all-rounder, bought for INR 8.75 crore, offers versatility with bat and ball. His big-hitting and handy off-spin could prove decisive in the middle overs.
- Tim David: Fresh off a BBL title with Hobart Hurricanes, the Australian finisher (INR 5 crore) adds depth to the lower order. His strike rate of 170 in 38 IPL matches makes him a death-overs specialist.
Strategic Shifts And Team Balance
RCB’s recruitment strategy for 2025, as outlined by Flower, prioritizes balance over star power. In past seasons, the team leaned heavily on Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell, often neglecting bowling depth. This time, the focus has shifted. The pace attack—Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam, and Lungi Ngidi—offers variety and reliability. The spin department, led by Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, may lack marquee names but brings flexibility, with Swapnil Singh as a backup.
The batting lineup, while still formidable, is less top-heavy. Phil Salt and Kohli at the top, followed by Patidar, Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma, provide a robust core. Tim David and Devdutt Padikkal, the latter returning to RCB after stints elsewhere, add finishing power and stability. All-rounders like Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell, and Romario Shepherd ensure depth, allowing tactical flexibility.
Critics, however, point to potential weaknesses. The spin attack is untested compared to rivals like KKR or Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and the middle order—beyond Patidar and Livingstone—may need to prove itself under pressure. Still, Flower remains optimistic, telling ESPNcricinfo that this squad can defend totals at Chinnaswamy, a venue notorious for favoring batsmen.
The Road Ahead: IPL 2025 Schedule
RCB’s campaign kicks off on March 22 against KKR at Eden Gardens—a daunting start against the defending champions. Their first home game is on April 2 against Gujarat Titans at Chinnaswamy, where ticket sales, ranging from INR 2,300 to INR 42,000, began on March 19. The full schedule, as per IndianExpress.com, includes four of their last six matches at home, offering a late-season advantage. Key fixtures include a rematch with KKR on May 17 in Bengaluru—a chance for redemption.
Current Buzz And Fan Sentiment
As of March 20, RCB are trending across platforms. Posts on X highlight Kohli’s practice sessions, with one noting, “Virat ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi…” alongside a video of his net drills. Fans are also excited about Devdutt Padikkal’s form, with the left-hander smashing 82 off 48 in an intra-squad match, as reported by Business Standard. However, there’s skepticism too. Former RCB spinner Shadab Jakati, speaking to NDTV Sports, alleged a lack of camaraderie and over-reliance on 2-3 players as reasons for past failures—a narrative the current management aims to dispel.
The appointment of Patidar as captain has sparked debate. While Kohli endorsed him, saying he’ll “lead you guys for a long time,” some speculate Kohli declined the role to focus on batting, as per Jitesh Sharma’s comments on the CricXtasy podcast. Regardless, Patidar’s calm leadership and Kohli’s backing signal a united front.
Expectations And Title Hopes
RCB’s IPL 2025 squad is arguably their most balanced yet, but the pressure remains immense. For Kohli, now 36, time is running out to lift the trophy that has eluded him across 17 seasons. The franchise has reached the final thrice (2009, 2011, 2016) but never crossed the finish line. Last year’s playoff run—six wins in a row after a dismal start—offers hope, but the Eliminator loss to Rajasthan Royals lingers.
Analysts like Michael Clarke and Darren Lehmann have weighed in, with Clarke tipping RCB as potential winners, albeit with a “slight bias.” The team’s success will hinge on Kohli’s form, Patidar’s captaincy, and the bowling unit’s ability to deliver in crunch moments. As Flower told BBC Sport, “We’ve shifted from a batting-heavy strategy to a squad that can compete on all fronts.”
Conclusion
On March 20, 2025, RCB stand at a crossroads. The Unbox Event has set the tone, the squad is in place, and the season looms large. With a passionate fanbase chanting “RCB RCB,” the team embarks on its 18th IPL journey, hoping this is the year they finally claim glory. Whether it’s Kohli’s brilliance, Patidar’s leadership, or the collective strength of a revamped roster, RCB’s story in IPL 2025 promises to be one of high stakes and higher dreams. The first test comes in just 48 hours—let the games begin.
