Season 18 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has sparked renewed hope and excitement among Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans. Beyond the usual anticipation for another thrilling season, there is an uncanny symbolism surrounding the number 18—the 18th season of IPL aligning with Virat Kohli’s iconic jersey number 18.
For over a decade, Kohli has been the face of RCB, leading from the front yet falling short of IPL glory. Now, as the franchise heads into RCB IPL 2025 Preview under new captain Rajat Patidar, fans are wondering: Could this finally be the year when RCB lifts its first-ever IPL trophy?
RCB IPL 2025 Preview: A Fresh Start Under New Leadership
RCB enters IPL 2025 with a revamped squad and a new approach. After an up-and-down campaign in 2024, where they staged a six-match winning streak to make the playoffs, the team is determined to start stronger this time.
One of the biggest shifts is the appointment of Rajat Patidar as captain, with Kohli stepping into a supporting leadership role. This move signals a fresh tactical shift, aiming to break the franchise’s long-standing title drought.
But will bold decisions in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction pay off?
RCB IPL 2025 Preview: How Did RCB Perform in the Mega Auction?
RCB took some bold risks at the auction table, choosing not to retain key players like Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell. Instead, they invested heavily in international talent, reshaping their squad for a more balanced approach.
Key Signings at the IPL 2025 Auction:
🔹 Josh Hazlewood (Rs 12.50 crore) – The Australian pacer returns to RCB, bringing experience and control in crucial overs.
🔹 Phil Salt (Rs 11.50 crore) – Ranked No. 3 in T20Is, Salt was a match-winner for KKR in 2024, scoring 435 runs at a strike rate of 182.01.
🔹 Jitesh Sharma (Rs 11 crore) – The explosive wicketkeeper-batter was acquired after an intense bidding war with CSK, LSG, and DC.
🔹 Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Rs 8 crore) – The experienced Indian pacer returns to RCB, bringing swing and death-over expertise.
RCB IPL 2025 Preview: Complete Squad for IPL 2025
📌 Indian Players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Yash Dayal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee, Rasikh Dar.
📌 Overseas Players: Josh Hazlewood (Australia), Phil Salt (England), Liam Livingstone (England), Jacob Bethell (England), Tim David (Australia), Romario Shepherd (West Indies), Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka), Lungi Ngidi (South Africa).
RCB IPL 2025 Preview: Key Players to Watch
🔥 Phil Salt – RCB’s Explosive Opener
🔹 After a spectacular 2024 season with KKR, Salt brings firepower at the top. If he replicates last season’s form, he could be the X-factor in RCB’s batting lineup.
🎯 Bhuvneshwar Kumar – The Bowling Spearhead
🔹 A veteran seamer, Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball and execute pinpoint yorkers in the death overs makes him a vital asset.
👑 Rajat Patidar – The New Captain’s Challenge
🔹 As RCB’s new captain, Patidar has big shoes to fill. His ability to lead from the front and handle pressure will define RCB’s campaign.
💎 Virat Kohli – Can He Finally Win IPL Glory?
🔹 Despite stepping down as captain, Kohli remains RCB’s biggest match-winner. After a strong performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, he enters IPL 2025 with renewed hunger to break RCB’s trophy drought.
RCB IPL 2025 Preview: Predicted Playing XI
📝 Predicted XI:
1️⃣ Phil Salt (WK)
2️⃣ Virat Kohli
3️⃣ Rajat Patidar (C)
4️⃣ Liam Livingstone
5️⃣ Tim David
6️⃣ Krunal Pandya
7️⃣ Swapnil Singh
8️⃣ Josh Hazlewood
9️⃣ Nuwan Thushara/Lungi Ngidi
🔟 Suyash Sharma
1️⃣1️⃣ Bhuvneshwar Kumar
RCB IPL 2025 Preview: Full Schedule
📅 March 22: vs KKR (Kolkata)
📅 March 28: vs CSK (Chennai)
📅 April 2: vs GT (Bengaluru)
📅 April 7: vs MI (Mumbai)
📅 April 10: vs DC (Bengaluru)
📅 April 13: vs RR (Jaipur)
📅 April 18: vs PBKS (Bengaluru)
📅 April 20: vs PBKS (Chandigarh)
📅 April 24: vs RR (Bengaluru)
📅 April 27: vs DC (Delhi)
📅 May 3: vs CSK (Bengaluru)
📅 May 9: vs LSG (Lucknow)
📅 May 13: vs SRH (Bengaluru)
📅 May 17: vs KKR (Bengaluru)
RCB IPL 2025 Preview: Can RCB Finally Break Their IPL Curse?
RCB has always been one of the most beloved teams in the IPL, boasting superstars, passionate fans, and thrilling performances. However, their history of heartbreaks—final defeats in 2009, 2011, and 2016—has left their supporters desperate for a title win.
This season, the stars seem to be aligning:
🔹 Season 18 = Kohli’s Jersey Number 18 – A sign of destiny?
🔹 New leadership under Patidar – A bold change with fresh energy.
🔹 Experienced stars + young talent – A balanced squad to mount a serious title challenge.
Could RCB IPL 2025 Preview be the season RCB fans have been waiting for? Will Virat Kohli finally get his hands on the IPL trophy?
🔥💬 What do you think? Can RCB lift the IPL trophy this season? Drop your predictions in the comments! 🚀🏏
