Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up for IPL 2025 with ambitions to challenge for the title. After past campaigns that have shown both promise and setbacks, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have reassembled a balanced team that combines experienced stalwarts with exciting new talent. With a loyal fan base and a legacy of competitive cricket, RCB aim to build on their strengths and turn their season into a memorable campaign.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of RCB’s preparations for IPL 2025. It includes details on team leadership, the complete 22-player squad, the official match schedule, insights into retention and release strategies, and an outlook on what supporters can expect this season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025: Captain and Coach
Captain: Rajat Patidar
Coach: Andy Flower
Rajat Patidar leads RCB as captain, bringing consistency and sharp cricketing acumen to the role. His performances and calm demeanor under pressure have earned him the trust of teammates and fans alike. With his ability to anchor the batting lineup and contribute in crucial moments, Patidar is expected to guide the team through challenging encounters in IPL 2025.
The coaching setup (details can be updated with the official coach name) provides strategic guidance and tactical planning that will be essential for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their collective experience in T20 cricket ensures that the team is well-prepared to adapt to different match situations and compete at the highest level.
RCB IPL 2025: Complete 22-Player Squad
Based on the latest official squad details, the complete Royal Challengers Bangalore team for IPL 2025 is as follows:
Batters
- Rajat Patidar (Captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Yash Dayal
- Phil Salt
- Jitesh Sharma
- Liam Livingstone
- Devdutt Padikkal
All-Rounders
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
Bowlers
- Josh Hazlewood
- Rasikh Dar
- Suyash Sharma
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Swapnil Singh
- Nuwan Thushara
- Manoj Bhandage
- Jacob Bethel
- Swastik Chhikara
- Lungi Ngidi
- Abhinandan Singh
- Mohit Rathee
Below is a combined table view of the squad:
| Batter | All-Rounder | Bowler |
|---|---|---|
| Rajat Patidar (Captain) | Tim David | Josh Hazlewood |
| Virat Kohli | Romario Shepherd | Rasikh Dar |
| Yash Dayal | Krunal Pandya | Suyash Sharma |
| Phil Salt | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | |
| Jitesh Sharma | Swapnil Singh | |
| Liam Livingstone | Nuwan Thushara | |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Manoj Bhandage | |
| Jacob Bethel | ||
| Swastik Chhikara | ||
| Lungi Ngidi | ||
| Abhinandan Singh | ||
| Mohit Rathee |
These squad details are based on the latest official information and are subject to final confirmation by team management.
RCB IPL 2025: Match Schedule
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play a total of 14 matches in IPL 2025. The final fixture is designed to test the team in both home and away conditions. RCB’s home matches will be held at their iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The schedule is as follows:
- March 23 (Sunday) – vs Chennai Super Kings in Bangalore – 7:30 PM
- March 28 (Friday) – vs Delhi Capitals in Bangalore – 7:30 PM
- March 30 (Sunday) – vs Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM
- April 5 (Saturday) – vs Punjab Kings in Bangalore – 3:30 PM
- April 8 (Tuesday) – vs Mumbai Indians in Mumbai – 7:30 PM
- April 11 (Friday) – vs Kolkata Knight Riders in Bangalore – 7:30 PM
- April 14 (Monday) – vs Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow – 7:30 PM
- April 20 (Sunday) – vs Delhi Capitals in Delhi – 7:30 PM
- April 25 (Friday) – vs Chennai Super Kings in Bangalore – 7:30 PM
- April 30 (Wednesday) – vs Punjab Kings in Bangalore – 7:30 PM
- May 3 (Saturday) – vs Mumbai Indians in Mumbai – 7:30 PM
- May 7 (Wednesday) – vs Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata – 7:30 PM
- May 12 (Monday) – vs Lucknow Super Giants in Bangalore – 7:30 PM
- May 18 (Sunday) – vs Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad – 3:30 PM
These fixture details are final and reflect the official schedule.
RCB IPL 2025: Players Retained and Released
Players Retained
RCB’s retention strategy focuses on keeping the core performers who have contributed in previous seasons while bringing in fresh talent.
- Retained Core: Key players such as Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, and Yash Dayal have been retained for their leadership and consistent performance.
- All-Round Strength: With stalwarts like Krunal Pandya and emerging talents like Tim David and Romario Shepherd retained, the balance of the side remains intact.
- Bowling Stability: Experienced bowlers including Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, and Lungi Ngidi continue to form the backbone of the bowling attack.
Players Released
To ensure a focused and competitive lineup, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have released players who did not secure regular roles or consistent performances last season. Although the full list of released players is not fully detailed publicly, management confirms that fringe players who did not meet performance standards were let go. This streamlining helps create space for new talent and ensures every squad member can contribute effectively during the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025: Season Outlook
Royal Challengers Bangalore enter IPL 2025 with a clear vision to convert past experiences into future success. With a well-balanced squad and strong leadership, the team is determined to be a formidable contender.
Batting and Fielding
RCB’s batting unit, led by captain Rajat Patidar and supported by the experience of Virat Kohli, is expected to post competitive scores. The inclusion of dynamic players like Liam Livingstone and Devdutt Padikkal adds firepower, while precise fielding and improved fitness levels will help the team save crucial runs during tight matches.
Bowling
The bowling attack remains one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s key strengths. With a blend of experienced pacers and emerging talents, the team is set to take early wickets and control the flow of runs. The combination of disciplined bowling from Josh Hazlewood and impactful spells from spinners will be crucial in the middle overs, especially on turning pitches.
Overall Expectations
With the retained core and smart new signings, Royal Challengers Bangalore are poised to compete strongly in IPL 2025. The leadership of Rajat Patidar, combined with strategic guidance from the coaching staff, will be pivotal in navigating the challenges of the season. Fans can expect high-energy cricket, closely fought matches, and a collective effort aimed at finishing at the top of the points table.
