Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans have heard this story before. A promising start, big-name players, and renewed hope that this season might finally end their trophy drought. But after 17 seasons without a title, could IPL 2025 actually be different? Read with Kheloexch.
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A Stunning Start to the Season
Three wins in four matches. That’s how RCB has kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign, currently sitting third in the points table with a healthy net run rate of +1.015. What makes this start particularly impressive is that all three victories have come away from home, including historic wins at venues where they’ve struggled for years.
RCB defeated Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk for the first time in 17 years and followed it up by beating Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, ending a 10-year winless streak at the venue. Their only loss so far came against Gujarat Titans at home.
New Leadership, New Energy
The biggest change for RCB this season is their leadership. After years of being captained by star players like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, the reins have been handed to Rajat Patidar. The 30-year-old middle-order batter has embraced the responsibility, already claiming two Player of the Match awards in four games.
“Rajat has been everything I hoped and expected him to be,” said Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket, praising his captain’s impact. Patidar has led from the front with the bat, scoring 161 runs at an average of 40.25 and a strike rate of 175.
Former cricketer Robin Uthappa noted: “He’s an incredible player of both spin and fast bowling. Looks like he thrives even more when responsibility is on him, and as a leader, he wants to lead from the front.”
Not Just a One-Man Show Anymore
For years, RCB’s biggest criticism has been their over-reliance on star players. From the Gayle-Kohli-de Villiers era to the more recent Kohli-Maxwell-du Plessis combination, the team has often struggled when their big names fail to deliver.
The 2025 squad seems different. While Virat Kohli continues to be a consistent performer, scoring a crucial 67 against Mumbai Indians, other team members have stepped up in key moments.
Krunal Pandya has been exceptional, taking match-winning wickets including a spectacular 4-0-45-4 against Mumbai Indians. Josh Hazlewood leads the bowling attack with eight wickets so far at an impressive economy rate of 7.76. Yash Dayal, despite being slightly expensive with an economy of 10.30, has contributed with crucial wickets, including dismissing Rohit Sharma with a stunning in-swinger.
This collective effort marks a significant shift from RCB’s previous campaigns.
A Balanced Squad at Last
RCB’s auction strategy for IPL 2025 focused on building a balanced squad rather than just accumulating star power. They retained Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, then made strategic additions to strengthen all departments.
Their batting lineup now features Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David alongside Kohli and Patidar. The bowling attack includes Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma, giving them variety and depth.
This balance is evident in their performances so far. Against Mumbai Indians, they posted 221/5 with contributions from multiple batters, then defended it successfully with their bowlers taking wickets at crucial junctures.
Can They Overcome Their Historical Weaknesses?
Despite their promising start, questions remain about whether RCB has truly addressed the issues that have plagued them throughout their IPL history.
RCB has reached the finals three times (2009, 2011, and 2016) but failed to cross the final hurdle on each occasion. Their playoff record stands at 5 wins and 9 losses in 14 matches – one of the worst among established IPL teams.
Critics have pointed to several factors for their title drought:
- A historically weak bowling lineup
- Lack of good all-rounders
- Over-dependence on a few star players
- Inability to defend totals due to bowling weaknesses
The current squad seems to have addressed many of these concerns, but the real test will come in pressure situations, especially in the playoffs if they qualify.
The Road Ahead
RCB’s next challenge comes on April 10 when they face Delhi Capitals at home. Despite their impressive away form, they’re yet to win at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season. With ten matches still to play, maintaining their momentum will be crucial.
If they continue their current form, a top-two finish in the points table is a realistic possibility. This would give them a significant advantage in the playoffs, with two chances to reach the final via Qualifier 1.
The team’s batting has been firing on all cylinders, but their bowling will face sterner tests as the tournament progresses. How they handle pressure situations, especially in run chases, will determine whether they can finally end their title drought.
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Will This Finally Be Their Year?
After 17 seasons of heartbreak, RCB fans have learned to temper their expectations. But there’s something different about this team under Patidar’s leadership. The balance in the squad, the collective performances, and the ability to win away from home are all positive signs Kheloexch register.
As one of only three original IPL teams never to have won the title (along with Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals), the hunger for success runs deep in the RCB camp. With a revamped squad, new leadership, and a strong start to the season, IPL 2025 might just be the year when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally shed the tag of “perennial underachievers” and lift their maiden IPL trophy.
The early signs are promising, but in the unpredictable world of T20 cricket, only time will tell if RCB can maintain their momentum and turn their title dreams into reality.
