IPL 2025: Three Playing XI Decisions RCB Must Get Right to Win

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entered the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League, still searching for their elusive first title. For the upcoming season, the franchise has entrusted Rajat Patidar with the captaincy, which surprised many fans hoping for Virat Kohli’s return as skipper. However, RCB has placed its faith in Patidar to lead the side forward.

In preparation for IPL 2025, RCB had to make bold decisions regarding their squad. They opted to release key players like Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell while retaining Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. At the mega auction, they strengthened their squad by acquiring Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya.

With these major changes in place, RCB now faces several challenges in finalizing their best playing XI. Here’s a look at three crucial selection decisions they must get right in IPL 2025.

1. The Overseas Player Dilemma: Who Completes the XI?

RCB’s core squad appears mostly settled, but the choice of their four overseas players remains a key talking point. Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar are set to occupy crucial batting spots in the top four, while Liam Livingstone is expected to be a sure starter in the middle order. This leaves the final overseas slot up for grabs.

The contenders for this spot include Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Jacob Bethell. Among them, David has the most IPL experience, having played for both RCB and Mumbai Indians. He boasts a career strike rate of 170 in the league but has struggled against top-quality bowling attacks, particularly spin. Shepherd finds himself in a similar category—explosive yet inconsistent.

Bethell, on the other hand, offers versatility and is a rare left-handed option in the middle order. However, he was recently ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a hamstring injury, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain. If he is fit in time for IPL 2025, he could provide the balance RCB needs.

2. The Role of Devdutt Padikkal in RCB’s Batting Line-up

RCB has re-signed Devdutt Padikkal, who was previously part of the franchise in 2020-21. During those seasons, he amassed 884 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 125. Following his move to Rajasthan Royals, Padikkal scored 637 runs across two seasons at a similar strike rate. However, his most recent stint with Lucknow Super Giants in 2024 was forgettable—managing only 38 runs from seven games.

His return to RCB raises questions, particularly since he has not played any T20 cricket since the last IPL. The team’s domestic batting options are limited, which means they may have no choice but to start him.

A more effective strategy might be to maximize Rajat Patidar and Jacob Bethell at No. 3 and No. 4, while using Padikkal strategically as an impact player. He could also be deployed to shield Livingstone against quality spin attacks when needed.

3. Who Replaces Josh Hazlewood if He Misses Out?

RCB spent INR 12.50 crore to bring back Josh Hazlewood, expecting him to be the leader of their pace attack alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. However, Hazlewood’s injury history presents a significant concern for their campaign.

The Australian fast bowler has struggled with fitness over the past couple of years. After featuring in just three matches in IPL 2023, he missed the entire 2024 season due to injury. More recently, he was ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after failing to recover from a calf strain that had already kept him out of Test matches against India.

If Hazlewood is unavailable for a portion of IPL 2025, RCB will have to turn to their other overseas pace options—Lungi Ngidi and Nuwan Thushara. Ngidi, who had a standout IPL season back in 2018, has since lost his edge. His pace has dropped, and his performances in recent tournaments have been inconsistent. In SA20, he played five matches, taking only two wickets while conceding runs at an economy of 10.87—figures that could worsen at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Thushara, in contrast, has performed well in the shorter format. Over the last 12 months, he has claimed 36 wickets in 26 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.54. Given his recent form, he could be the best alternative should Hazlewood be ruled out.

With IPL 2025 approaching, Royal Challengers Bengaluru must fine-tune their playing XI to maximize their strengths. Making the right overseas player selections, deciding Padikkal’s role, and ensuring a solid pace attack in Hazlewood’s absence will be crucial factors in their bid for a maiden IPL title.

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