RCB SWOT Analysis & IPL 2025 Fan Poll: Rate the RCB squad after mega auction

RCB SWOT Analysis & IPL 2025 Fan Poll (Image: IPL)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made some notable signings in the recent IPL 2025 auction, as they continue to search their maiden IPL gold. The 2016 runner-ups, who have historically been a batting-heavy side, took a different approach this time around by boosting their fast bowling core, which will play an important part in the competition.

Over the years, RCBs have been observed signing one or two players for a huge prize tag but have not achieved the expected results. This time, the management made some key purchases and did not splurge a large sum on any player. Their most costly buy was Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood, who was acquired for INR 12.50 crore. Furthermore, the team paid INR 10.75 crore for veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, and Nuwan Thushara are among their overseas signings.

RCB Squad Overview

Apart from the three players who were retained ahead of the auction, RCB has formed a strong team that looks to be the favorites to win their maiden title. With the squad picked, their starting playing XI looks quite organized and sorted. After selecting the squad, Virat Kohli appears to be the frontrunner for Bengaluru’s captaincy in IPL 2025, following a three-year absence.

RCB Squad SWOT Analysis:

Strengths: RCB’s greatest strength has always been their top-order batting, and this time they concentrated on having powerful middle-order batters in their lineup. With the addition of Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd, RCB has a good batting depth that will benefit them as they play seven home games at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Additionally, the team has a group of experienced pacers who can produce strong results throughout the season.

Weaknesses: One disadvantage for RCB has been the lack of a frontline spinner in their roster. Despite investing in Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, as well as bringing back Swapnil Singh, their spin department appears to be lacking. Despite having a fantastic economy of under 8 since 2017, Pandya would want a partner that can wreak havoc with spin.

Opportunities: As previously mentioned, RCB has more or less ticked all the boxes this time around and appears to be the favorite to win the championship among the IPL 2025 Teams. Additionally, Virat Kohli, who has always seemed to take the side out of difficult situations, won’t be under as much pressure considering the side’s strong batting depth.

Threats: The team’s biggest threat would be not having many backup options for certain positions, which could cause problems as the competition progresses. Though they have a strong fast bowling core, a lack of backup options for them in case of any injury concerns can affect the team’s result. Furthermore, the side does not have alternative options for the opening slots in case Salt doesn’t fire at the top.

RCB squad for IPL 2025:

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee