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RCB Squad IPL 2025: The IPL 2025 auction is over, and RCB is one of the most talked-about franchises for its auction strategy. Here, we analyze the RCB squad's strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats in the upcoming IPL 2025.
Royal Challengers Bangaluru was one of the franchises with the most purse before the auction. They retained just three players- Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. With a purse of over Rs 80Cr, everyone hoped they would rope in some big names, especially in the bowling department, but the management had different ideas.  
RCB team in the auction table was slightly inactive on DAY 1 of the auction. They let go of all the big names and roped in crucial but less-known names under the eyes for cheap. They really played smart on the table but the question is- do they have a strong squad to fight in the IPL 2025?
<h2>RCB Squad For IPL 2025</h2>
The RCB management indicated a complete change in the squad and built the team around Virat at the top, Patidar in the middle, and Yash Dayal in the bowling unit. They spent 23 Cr for just two pacers—Josh Hazlewood (Rs 12.25 Cr) and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar (Rs10.75 Cr). They roped in Jitesh Sharma (Rs 11 Cr) and Phil Salt (Rs 11.25 Cr) for another 22 Cr and then spent around 12 Cr for two allrounders, Krunal Pandya and Rasikh Dar. 
All in all, they have built a strong unit around some strong Indian options in all departments. Let's take a look at the RCB Squad for the Upcoming IPL 2025:
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<table border="1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 56.8074%; background-color: #f8cac6; border-color: #000000; border-style: ridge;"><colgroup><col width="59" style="width: 21.7721%;"><col width="159" style="width: 39.3382%;"><col width="158" style="width: 39.0908%;"></colgroup>
<thead>
<tr>
<th scope="col" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Player
</th>
<th scope="col" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Price
</th>
<th scope="col" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Country
</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Virat Kohli
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 21 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rajat Patidar
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 11 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Yash Dayal
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 5 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Liam Livingstone
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 8.75 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
England
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Jitesh Sharma 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 11 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Josh Hazlewood 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 12.50 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Australia
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 10.75 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rasikh Dar
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 6 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Phil Salt 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 11.50 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
England
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Krunal Pandya 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 5.75 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Suyash Sharma 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 2.60 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Swapnil Singh
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 50 lakhs
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Tim David 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 3 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Australia
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Jacob Bethell 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 2.60 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
England
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Romario Shepherd 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 1.50 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
West Indies
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Nuwan Thushara 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 1.60 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Sri Lanka
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Devdutt Padikkal
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 2 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Swastik Chhikara
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 30 lakh
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Lungi Ngidi 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 1 crore
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
South Africa
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Manoj Bhandage 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 30 lakhs
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Abhinandan Singh 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 30 lakh
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Mohit Rathee 
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
Rs. 30 lakh
</td>
<td style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
India
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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<h2>SWOT Analysis of RCB Squad</h2>
RCB spent most of its money on middle-order players and roped in players like Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David. They strengthened their middle order, which was the problem in the previous seasons. 
<ul>
<li>Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Tim David</li>
<li>Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma</li>
<li>All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell</li>
<li>Fast bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh</li>
<li>Spinners: Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee</li>
</ul>
<h3>STRENGTHS of RCB Squad</h3>
RCB has always been known for its batting. From Chris Gyle and AB de Villiers to Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik, they have always had a batting-heavy squad. This time, they are among the strongest when it comes to batting power. With these names, they can play free and bold cricket, and they have also managed to rope in plenty of all-rounders to the team. 
Not only batting, but they also hold pretty strong fast bowling options. They have Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who are well-known for their tight bowling, and Rasikh Dar, who is an excellent middle over and death over bowler. 
<h3>WEAKNESSES of RCB Squad</h3>
They have weak spin-bowling options! With Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya seeming to be in the playing11, the spin department of RCB isn't promising even for their home ground. However, they have Liam Livingstone who can roll his arms, but that is not going to be enough. Spin is going to be their weak link.
<h3>OPPORTUNITIES in the RCB Squad</h3>
Playing with Virat Kohli, most likely under Virat Kohli, is a dream of many youngsters in India and across the world. There are a couple of young names in the squad, who can prove their young talent in the upcoming season. Especially, Suyash Sharma has a big opportunity to play bold and knock the international doors. 
Devdutt Padikkal is another name for opportunities. His charm and form were lost after he joined RR, but coming back to his home team, he really has a chance to unleash his potential in the IPL Stage. 
<h3>THREATS for RCB Squad</h3>
Threats for the Challengers squad are mainly not having proper backups. Their spin looks fragile, and a bad day of fast bowlers can ruin the game for them. They have enough options for bowling in the death, and bowling at the top, but concerns may arise in the middle order. 
ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/hardik-pandya-destroys-new-csk-bowler-slams-4-continuous-sixes-scores-an-excellent-fifty/">Hardik Pandya destroys new CSK bowler, slams 4 continuous sixes, scores an excellent fifty</a>
SOURCE- <a href="https://www.royalchallengers.com/">RCB OFFICIAL</a>

Most cricket pundits might not have liked the RCB's work at the auction table, but they are still strong and can turn the table anytime and against anyone in the league. Here is the SWOT analysis and review of the RCB squad for IPL 2025.

IPL 2025: RCB Squad after Auction, Players, Prices and Full SWOT Analysis

ipl-2025-rcb-squad-after-auction-players-prices-and-full-swot-analysis

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been constantly criticised for their poor auction strategies and this around as well the situation has been the same. The Bengaluru based team's fans are extremely unhappy with the franchise's decision of not retaining the services of Will Jacks, but if we take a look at the squad which the franchise has built ahead of IPL 2025, this team can field a phenomenal starting XI combination.The three time runners-up had retained the services of Yash Dayal, Virat Kohli and batter Rajat Patidar ahead of the 2025 IPL Mega-auction. 

RCB have built a powerful &amp; strong squad

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have the legendary Virat Kohli in their team since the inaugural edition of the cash rich T20 league and the 36-year-old can be seen opening the innings this time around too. He's the only batter in the history of the tournament to cross the 8,000 runs mark and his performance with the bat will play a crucial role in the success of the Bengaluru based team. 

England's hard hitting wicket-keeper batsman Phil Salt was signed by Bengaluru in the Mega-auction for a whooping price tag of 11.50 crore Indian rupees and he had a successful season with the Kolkata Knight Riders, scoring 435 runs while opening the inning alongside Sunil Narine. Salt prefers to bat aggressively so his aggressive nature can prove to be helpful for Bengaluru. 

Right handed batter Rajat Patidar has proven on multiple occasions about his batting capability and his ability to bat well under pressure means he's a vital cog of the RCB batting unit. He will continue to bat at his preferred number three position, while Indian wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma, who was signed in the Mega-auction for mammoth price tag of 11 crore Indian rupees can handle the number four batting duties. Sharma has so far amassed a total of 730 IPL runs in 40 games. 

The hard-hitting duo of Tim David and Liam Livingstone, the newest additions in the roster of Royal Challengers Bengaluru can come in to bat at number five and six positions. Both of these players are well known for their hard hitting abilities with the bat, they can roll their arms over when required and they have scored high number of runs with their aggressive-batting style in International Cricket for their respective teams. 
The presence of these two provides some really good batting depth and stability to the three-time runner's up. Hardik Pandya's elder brother Krunal Pandya was picked up in the auction by the franchise as well and he will be playing the role of the spin-bowling All-rounder.

Top-notch bowling attack

Indian Cricket Team's swing master Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be seen leading the fast-bowling unit of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Bhuvi's services were acquired for 10.75 crore Indian rupees and his acquisition might end up proving to be a fantastic one. 

Alongside Bhuvi, elite Australian Fast-Bowler Josh Hazelwood has also become a part of the team. The 33-year-old played a key role with the ball for Bengaluru in the 2021 edition of the tournament and he will be expected to do the same this time around as well. 

Apart from these two players, one of Yash Dayal Or Nuwan Thushara can be witnessed playing the role of the third pacer. At the same time, Bengaluru lacks in the spin-department as Krunal is the only main-spinner in the team. 

England's wonderkid Jacob Bethell is a part of the squad too, but he does not the experience of bowling on Indian surfaces. Swapnil Singh will be playing the role of the backup spinner. 

The bench-strength of the Bengaluru-based team looks strong too. If the team management decides to make Dayal their main pacer, then the likes of Romario Shepherd, Rasikh Salam, Thushara and Manoj Bhandage can play the roles of being the backups. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's strongest Starting XI in IPL 2025: Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Yash Dayal, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar.

Do Read: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/ipl-2025-rcb-squad-after-auction-players-prices-and-full-swot-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2025: RCB Squad after Auction, Players, Prices and Full SWOT Analysis</a>

RCB IPL 2025 squad | Image: X (RCB Tweets)

IPL 2025: RCB's squad analysis and strongest Playing 11

ipl-2025-rcbs-squad-analysis-and-strongest-playing-11

RCB IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bangalore, one of the most formidable franchises in IPL history, has often faced heartbreak in the eliminator rounds. However, the team is determined to shatter that barrier and rewrite their story in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League and these three players are going to be the key.
RCB, renowned for having one of the most loyal fanbases in the IPL, has assembled a formidable squad for the 2025 season. With a well-balanced team and renewed determination, this could be their best chance yet to finally secure their maiden IPL trophy and etch their name in the league's history.
At the mega auction in Jeddah, RCB made some strategic moves, securing key signings like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood. Armed with a substantial budget of ₹83 crore, the three-time finalists retained pivotal players such as Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal.
They further bolstered their lineup with power-hitters like Liam Livingstone and rising stars like Rasikh Dar and Suyash Sharma.   However, this isn’t the first time RCB has boasted a star-studded squad. Over the years, they’ve had some of the biggest names in T20 cricket, yet the team has often faltered under pressure when it mattered the most.
In the mega auction 2025, RCB have secured some key players and it seems that they can play the game-changers in the IPL 2025. Below are the three secret weapons of RCB that can change the fortune of the Franchise this season:
<h2>3 Game-Changing New Stars in Royal Challengers Bengaluru</h2>
1- Jacob Bethell (England): Jacob Bethell, an emerging English cricketer, is set to represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2025 IPL season. Bethell was acquired for ₹2.6 crore during the IPL mega auction and brings versatility and dynamism to the squad.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_679465674c563.jpg" alt="">
As a left-handed batter, he can anchor the innings in both the top and middle order. His impressive strike rate in T20Is makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure games. Additionally, Bethell's ability to seamlessly adapt from Test cricket to white-ball formats and his potential as a finisher in ODIs highlight his all-round skills.
Bethell’s achievements speak volumes about his talent. Within just three months, he debuted in ODI, T20I, and Test cricket, showcasing his adaptability across formats. He caught the spotlight during a series against the West Indies with two unbeaten half-centuries and further proved his mettle in the Big Bash League with a stellar knock of 87 against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Excited to share the dressing room with players like Virat Kohli, Bethell sees his stint with RCB as an opportunity to grow, learning from some of the best in the game while contributing to the team’s quest for their maiden IPL title.
2- Rasikh Dar (India): Rasikh Salam Dar, a promising fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir, will represent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2025 season. Purchased for ₹6 crore in the mega auction, Rasikh became the most expensive uncapped player of the year.
Known for his clever slower deliveries and effective knuckleball, he brings a unique edge to the RCB bowling attack. Having previously played for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, Rasikh’s IPL journey has been a testament to his talent and determination. His ambition extends beyond the league, as he dreams of representing India across all formats.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_6794656b97422.jpg" alt="">
Eager to contribute to RCB's hunt for their first IPL title, Rasikh sees this opportunity as a significant milestone in his career. Playing at the high-scoring M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, his ability to pick up crucial wickets could make him RCB’s secret weapon if used strategically.
Grateful for the management’s trust, he’s also a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers in Jammu and Kashmir, proving that hard work and dedication can pave the way to success on cricket’s biggest stages.
3- Phil Salt (England): It seemed clear that English players have impressed the RCB franchise the most and it repaid them in the best form. Phil Salt, the dynamic English wicketkeeper-batter, will don the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) jersey in the IPL 2025 season. Acquired for ₹11.5 crore during the auction, Salt is set to open the batting alongside Virat Kohli, promising explosive starts for the team.
<img class="img-additional" src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/images/202501/image_430x256_679465699590a.jpg" alt="">
His addition not only strengthens RCB’s top order but also offers a reliable wicketkeeping option, adding balance to the squad. RCB prioritized Salt for several reasons. His stellar numbers, including a strike rate of 182 during the 2024 season, made him a standout choice.
With 435 runs in the previous season and a current ICC T20 ranking of second, Salt’s consistency and power-hitting ability are undeniable. Furthermore, his leadership experience as England’s T20 captain adds a strategic edge to the team. By securing Salt as their foreign opener, RCB aims to capitalize on his fiery starts and his ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay, making him a critical asset in their quest for their maiden IPL title.

3 Game-Changing New Stars in Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB are getting ready to set IPL 2025 on fire with these three secret weapons. The ₹11.5 crore acquisition will open with Kohli in IPL 2025. A top-ranked T20 batter and skilled wicketkeeper, Salt ensures explosive starts.

Phil Salt, ranked 2nd in T20s, joins RCB to open with Kohli, bringing power-hitting, wicketkeeping, and leadership experience.

RCB’s Secret Weapons for IPL 2025: 3 Game-Changing New Stars in Royal Challengers Bengaluru

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The 5th T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan is on March 26 at Sky Stadium, Wellington. New Zealand leads 3-1 after a dominant win in the 4th match, powered by Bracewell’s quickfire 46* and Duffy’s 4-wicket haul. The pitch favors batting first, with pacers getting more help. Weather is mostly clear with slight rain chances. Top Dream11 picks include Seifert, Allen, Bracewell, and Duffy, with Salman Ali Agha and Bracewell as captaincy options

PAK vs NZ 5th T20 Dream 11 Prediction: Best player picks, captaincy choices and match details

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Punjab Kings defeated Gujarat Titans in a high-scoring thriller. Skipper Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 97 powered PBKS to a massive total, while GT’s valiant chase fell short at 232.

Shreyas Iyer's Winning Start for Punjab Kings! Check Updated IPL 2025 Points Table After GT vs PBKS, 5th Match

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NZ vs PAK: The fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan will be played on 26 March at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, which has hosted 22 T20Is—10 won batting first, 12 chasing. The average first-innings score is 153, but high totals like NZ’s 219/6 and successful chases like Australia’s 216 show it can be a batting-friendly ground. Key performers here include Martin Guptill (453 runs) and Ish Sodhi (17 wickets). With chasing slightly favored and spinners often influential, the match could hinge on whether Pakistan’s batters or New Zealand’s home advantage proves decisive.

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IPL 2025: RCB Squad after Auction, Players, Prices and Full SWOT Analysis

IPL 2025: RCB's squad analysis and strongest Playing 11

RCB’s Secret Weapons for IPL 2025: 3 Game-Changing New Stars in Royal Challengers Bengaluru

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