Explore how RCB’s IPL 2025 squad transformations—from Rajat Patidar’s captaincy to injury-driven substitutions—have reshaped their tactics.
With data-backed insights, discover their playoff chances against SRH. Follow BRG365 for exclusive cricket analysis!
First Announced Squad
RCB’s 2025 pre-season squad was a statement of intent, blending superstars and strategic signings to address past failures.
Core Retentions and Captaincy Change
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Virat Kohli (₹21 crore) remained the batting anchor, with management declaring: "His legacy defines our brand."
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Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore) replaced Faf du Plessis as captain, symbolizing a shift to "youth-led accountability." The 26-year-old averaged 42.3 in 2024 but faced pressure to prove his leadership in high-stakes matches.
Heavy Investments in Key Positions
RCB spent ₹83 crore at the auction to reinforce weak spots:
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Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore) was bought for his T20I strike rate of 148, aiming to solve the powerplay scoring drought.
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Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore) was tasked with improving death-over-economy (RCB’s 2024 rate: 9.6).
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore) brought experience, with his 2024 IPL record of 18 wickets at 20.1.
Domestic and Overseas Pieces
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Suyash Sharma (₹2.60 crore): A spin prodigy with 19 wickets in 2024 domestic T20s.
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Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore): Expected to add firepower with his 156 T20 strike rate.
Read More: Gujarat Titans 2025: Predicted Playing XI and Tactical Outlook
Key Data of the IPL Squad 2025
|
Player |
Role |
2025 Goal |
|---|---|---|
|
Virat Kohli |
Batter |
700+ runs, lead by example |
|
Josh Hazlewood |
Pace Bowler |
20+ wickets, economy <8.0 |
|
Phil Salt |
Opener |
500+ runs, 50+ avg |
The Active IPL Squad 2025
By mid-season, RCB’s squad looked drastically different due to injuries and performance gaps.
Injury Crisis
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Josh Hazlewood (shoulder injury) played only 5 games, taking 8 wickets at 21.3 before being ruled out.
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Rajat Patidar (finger fracture) missed 3 crucial matches, forcing Virat Kohli to step in as interim captain (2 wins in 3 games).
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Lungi Ngidi (South Africa national team call-up) left after three games (3 wickets, 10.2 economy) and was replaced by Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe, ₹75 lakh).
Squad Cuts
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Devdutt Padikkal (₹2 crore) was dropped after scoring 128 runs at 21.3, with Jacob Bethell (₹2.60 crore) taking his place and scoring 298 runs at 37.2.
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Glenn Maxwell (unsigned) was replaced by Tim David (₹3 crore), who became a finisher with 186 runs at 194 SR.
Overseas Player Roulette
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Romario Shepherd (₹1.50 crore): 11 wickets and 88 runs but struggled in death overs (10.1 economy).
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Jacob Bethell: The English all-rounder exceeded expectations, adding 11 wickets with his off-spin.
Active Squad Changes Comparison
|
Position |
Announced Player |
Active Player |
Reason for Change |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Captain/Middle Order |
Rajat Patidar |
Virat Kohli (interim) |
Injury absence |
|
Pace Bowler |
Josh Hazlewood |
Blessing Muzarabani |
Injury + international duty |
|
Middle Order |
Devdutt Padikkal |
Jacob Bethell |
Poor form |
Read More:GT Squad 2025-How Gujarat Titans Are Building a Winning Squad for IPL 2025
Tactical Evolution
RCB’s tactics evolved drastically due to squad changes, with coach Andy Flower prioritizing adaptability.
Batting Strategy
Reduced top-heaviness: With Patidar injured, Kohli shifted from "aggressive anchor" to "playmaker," allowing Salt (392 runs) to take charge of powerplays (148 SR).
Middle-order reshuffle: Bethell’s arrival created a "floater" role, allowing David (194 SR) to finish games instead of slogging from ball one.
Bowling Strategy
In the spin-first approach, Chahal (12 wickets) and Suyash Sharma (9 wickets) became the core, with their 6.8 economy rate limiting oppositions to 6.2 runs per over in the middle overs.
Pace contingency plan: Without Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (14 wickets) focused on powerplay containment (6.2 economy), while Muzarabani experimented with slower balls (40% of his deliveries).
Captaincy Strategy Shifts
Patidar’s data-driven approach: Preferred analytics for bowling changes, leading to 20% more spin overs in powerplays.
Kohli’s instinctive leadership: Relied on gut calls during rain delays, with RCB winning 2 of 3 rain-affected matches.
Key Players Behind Win or Loss
Virat Kohli
Critics questioned his T20 strike rate (138 in 2025), but Kohli answered with 485 runs, including 5 fifties in pressure games. "His ability to anchor and accelerate is irreplaceable," said analyst Sanjay Manjrekar.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The veteran’s 14 wickets at 19.8 made him RCB’s most reliable bowler, with 4 Man of the Match awards. His partnership with Chahal in the middle overs proved decisive in 7 wins.
Jacob Bethell
The Englishman’s 298 runs at 37.2 filled the void left by Padikkal, while his off-spin (11 wickets) provided crucial breakthroughs. "He’s the unsung hero of RCB’s season," noted ESPNcricinfo.
Read More: Indian Cricket Players: Gujarat Titans’ Top Stars Shaping IPL Dominance
Match Prediction
RCB’s home advantage and spin strength edge them past SRH. RCB to win by 4-5 wickets, securing a playoff berth. Kohli (50+ runs) and Chahal (2+ wickets) will be the difference-makers, with SRH’s middle order likely struggling to chase 180+.
RCB’s 2025 season is a testament to adaptability. Their squad and tactics have evolved dynamically from auction gambles to injury crises.
While the title remains elusive, this team has shown that resilience—more than star power—defines a champion.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to IPL RCB Team: History, Legends, and Loyal Fans
