RCB has improved their batting line-up compared to last year.
With some smart acquisitions in the auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has compiled a list of potential top batsmen for IPL 2025, with Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli being two key batsmen from the previous season.
They have assembled a team of talented foreign players and recruited top local talent. Next season, RCB could be one of the most competitive teams as they aim for their first IPL trophy.
Also Read: Three major strengths of RCB ahead of IPL 2025 season
RCB has improved their batting line-up compared to last year. Let’s take a look at their top seven for IPL 2025.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, retained by RCB for INR 21 crore, will open the innings once again, this time with the aggressive Phil Salt. Salt’s aggressive style of play will give Kohli the freedom to anchor the innings and play his natural game. Kohli’s consistency was evident last season when he won the Orange Cap with 741 runs, he knows how to perform under pressure.
In the last 7 IPL seasons, Kohli has crossed 400 runs in all but one, with 2022 being the only exception when he scored 341 runs. He is crucial for RCB’s batting and they hope he has another good season as they look for their first IPL title.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt, who had a fantastic IPL 2024 with KKR, scoring 435 runs in 12 matches, joined RCB as a great buy. Released by KKR, Salt was picked up by RCB for INR 11.50 crore and will be a key player for them in IPL 2025.
Salt will open the innings with Virat Kohli and will also keep the wickets. His aggressive batting style will be perfect for the small boundary Chinnaswamy pitch. He will be a great asset for RCB next season.
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar, bought by RCB for INR 11 crore, has been in top form, scoring 333 and 395 runs in 2023 and 2024 IPL respectively. In domestic cricket, he has continued to impress, scoring 226 in 6 games in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy and leading Madhya Pradesh to the final of SMAT 2024 with 428 runs at a strike rate of 186.08.
He will likely bat at number 3 for RCB in 2025. His performance and leadership qualities have also made him a future captain for the team.
Liam Livingston
RCB bought Liam Livingstone for INR 8.75 crore and got a utility player. He had a poor 2023 and 2024, but showed his abilities in 2022 with 437 runs. He will bat at 4 for RCB and provide power in the middle order and can bowl spin and leg spin.
At the small boundary Chinnaswamy Stadium, Livingstone’s ability to clear the ropes will be a big advantage. With his impressive recent form in international cricket, RCB will be hoping that he makes an impact in IPL 2025.
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma, recruited by RCB for INR 11 crore, is expected to be ranked No. 5 in IPL 2025. He scored 309 runs in 2023 and 187 in 2024, showing glimpses of his potential.
His recent performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, in which he scored 135 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 225.00, the third highest in the event, demonstrates his ability to score quickly in the middle order. Jitesh’s finishing skills make him an important player for RCB’s batting line-up.
Also Read: 3 major weaknesses of RCB ahead of IPL 2025 season
Tim David
Tim David returned to the team where he made his IPL debut in 2021 after being reacquired by RCB for INR 3 crore following his release from Mumbai Indians. David, who is likely to bat at number six, adds significant firepower to RCB’s middle-order.
David had decent performances for MI in 2023 and 2024 where he batted in the lower order and scored 231 runs and 241 runs respectively. With their aggressive attack, RCB will gain a key advantage in the final overs, particularly in the small confines of the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Also Read: Strongest RCB bowling attack revealed for IPL 2025
Krunal Pandya
RCB bought Krunal Pandya for INR 5.75 crore in the auction. He will bat at number seven and help keep the lower order stable. He has recently showcased his batting skills by scoring 226 runs in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Krunal remains one of the most reliable all-rounders in the IPL, although his last few seasons have not been very good. He is a useful asset for RCB ahead of IPL 2025 due to his experience, skills and also leadership qualities.
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