Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the most popular yet unlucky franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), is once again geared up for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. Despite having big names like Virat Kohli, RCB has never managed to lift the trophy. But this time, the team looks more balanced, stronger, and ready to break the jinx.
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The excitement around RCB’s first match against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens is sky-high. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how RCB’s new-look squad performs. But surprisingly, 5 prominent players have not made it to the playing XI for the first match.
Five Players Who Missed Out on RCB’s Playing XI
RCB has made some tough calls in selecting their playing XI, leaving out some big names due to the team’s balance issues. Here’s a look at the players who couldn’t make it:
- Devdutt Padikkal: The talented opener has been left out due to team balance concerns. With so many quality all-rounders in the squad, Padikkal’s place could not be accommodated.
- Romario Shepherd: The West Indies all-rounder known for his big-hitting abilities has also been excluded. It is expected that he might get a chance later in the tournament.
- Jacob Bethell: The English all-rounder with promising skills could not find a place in the squad for this match.
- Nuwan Thushara: The Sri Lankan pacer, often compared to Lasith Malinga due to his similar bowling action, has also been left out. His performance in various T20 leagues has been remarkable, but he will have to wait for his opportunity.
- Lungi Ngidi: The South African pacer is another big name missing from the playing XI. His experience and skillset might be called upon as the tournament progresses.
RCB’s Playing XI for the First Match
Despite the exclusion of some powerful players, RCB has managed to put together a formidable squad for their first game. Here’s a look at the playing XI:
- Virat Kohli (C) – The backbone of RCB’s batting lineup and their biggest hope for the title this season.
- Phil Salt – The explosive English batsman, known for his aggressive batting style, will open the innings with Kohli.
- Rajat Patidar – The talented middle-order batsman who played a crucial role for RCB last season.
- Liam Livingstone – The English all-rounder who can turn games around with his explosive batting and handy bowling.
- Tim David – The Australian finisher who has previously shined for Mumbai Indians with his big-hitting prowess.
- Jitesh Sharma (WK) – The wicket-keeper batsman known for his smart batting in the middle order.
- Krunal Pandya – The experienced all-rounder who will also be a key figure in RCB’s spin department.
- Suya Sharma – A talented leg-spinner who previously played for KKR, now looking to shine for RCB.
- Josh Hazlewood – The reliable Australian pacer known for his accuracy and wicket-taking abilities.
- Yash Dayal – The promising young Indian pacer who impressed in the last IPL season.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – The experienced swing bowler who brings stability to the bowling attack.
Overseas Players in the Playing XI
RCB has carefully picked their four overseas players for the opening match:
- Phil Salt (England)
- Liam Livingstone (England)
- Tim David (Australia)
- Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
Why RCB Fans Are Excited
This RCB team looks more balanced than ever before. The combination of experienced players and exciting newcomers has given fans a renewed sense of hope. The addition of versatile all-rounders and a solid pace battery could be the perfect formula for RCB’s success this season.
However, concerns about whether the team can maintain consistency throughout the tournament remain. Will this be the season RCB finally breaks the curse and lifts the IPL trophy? Fans are eagerly waiting for answers.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Why was Devdutt Padikkal left out of RCB’s Playing XI?
A1. Devdutt Padikkal was left out due to team balance issues, as the squad is packed with quality all-rounders and overseas players.
Q2. Who are the overseas players in RCB’s Playing XI for the first match?
A2. The four overseas players are Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Josh Hazlewood.
Q3. Who will open the innings for RCB in IPL 2025?
A3. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will open the innings for RCB.
Q4. Which pacers are part of RCB’s Playing XI?
A4. Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are the pacers in the playing XI.
Q5. Can RCB win IPL 2025 with this squad?
A5. The squad looks balanced with quality all-rounders, experienced bowlers, and a strong batting lineup, giving RCB a great chance to finally win the IPL trophy this season.
The IPL 2025 season is all set to kick off with a bang. RCB’s decision to leave out some key players may be strategic, but their playing XI for the first match against KKR looks promising. All eyes will be on Virat Kohli and his team as they begin their journey to end the trophy drought.
Stay tuned for more IPL updates and news!
