Discover the full list of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) squad for IPL 2025, including retained players, auction picks, and strategies for the upcoming season.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has always been one of the most exciting teams in the IPL, known for their high-profile players and consistent chase for the championship. As we head into the IPL 2025 season, RCB’s squad is brimming with promise and ambition. With the IPL mega auction now behind us, it’s time to dive deep into the squad they have built and analyze how their strategic picks could shape their path to the title.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Final Squad
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell.
RCB Squad 2025: Retained Players, Roles & Price Details
Retained Players:
- Virat Kohli – Batter – 21 crore
- Rajat Patidar – Batter – 11 crore
- Yash Dayal – Bowler – 5 crore
RCB New Acquisitions:
- Virat Kohli (c) – Batter – 21.00 crore
- Josh Hazlewood – Bowler – 12.50 crore
- Phil Salt – Batter – 11.50 crore
- Rajat Patidar – Batter – 11.00 crore
- Jitesh Sharma – Batter – 11.00 crore
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Bowler – 10.75 crore
- Liam Livingstone – Batting All-rounder – 8.75 crore
- Rasikh Salam Dar – Bowler – 6.00 crore
- Krunal Pandya – Bowling All-rounder – 5.75 crore
- Yash Dayal – Bowler – 5.00 crore
- Tim David – Batter – 3.00 crore
- Suyash Sharma – Bowler – 2.60 crore
- Jacob Bethell – Batting All-rounder – 2.60 crore
- Devdutt Padikkal – Top Order Batter – 2.00 crore
- Nuwan Thushara – Bowler – 1.60 crore
- Romario Shepherd – Bowling All-rounder – 1.50 crore
- Lungi Ngidi – Bowler – 1.00 crore
- Swapnil Singh – Bowling All-rounder – 50 lakh
- Manoj Bhandage – All-rounder – 30 lakh
- Swastik Chikkara – Batter – 30 lakh
- Abhinandan Singh – Bowler – 30 lakh
- Mohit Rathee – Bowling All-rounder – 30 lakh
RCB Squad Strength and Purse Remaining for IPL 2025:
- Squad Strength: 22/25 (Indian- 14, Overseas- 8/8)
- Purse Remaining: INR 0.75 crore
A New Era for RCB: IPL 2025 Auction Overview
The 2025 IPL mega auction presented RCB with an opportunity to strengthen their squad, especially with the purse amount they had at their disposal. Entering the auction with a massive 83 crore, the franchise was eager to balance their team, focusing on both solidifying their Indian core and adding the right firepower to their already impressive roster. Despite having the second-highest purse, RCB opted to follow a cautious strategy rather than splurging on top-tier international stars.
One of the most talked-about rumors during the auction was the potential return of KL Rahul to RCB, but that idea quickly faded when he was snapped up by Delhi Capitals. RCB, on the other hand, seemed focused on making prudent decisions, eventually stopping their paddle at 10.75 crore, with a clear intention to build a strong, homegrown Indian backbone for their team.
The Day 1 Picks: Strengthening the Bowling Line-Up
RCB’s Day 1 strategy was centered around their need to bolster their bowling department, which had been a cause for concern in previous seasons. With uncapped players Jitesh Sharma, Rasikh Dar, and Suyash Sharma, RCB ensured that they weren’t just adding numbers to the squad, but also shoring up their bowling attack. The acquisition of these promising young bowlers was pivotal, as RCB lacked a consistent and reliable bowling lineup for years.
Both Rasikh Dar and Suyash Sharma bring raw pace and a sharp edge to the bowling unit, providing captain Virat Kohli with key bowling options in the powerplay and death overs. Jitesh Sharma, a promising bowler, adds another layer of depth, and his potential might be a game-changer for RCB in the upcoming season.
RCB’s Focus Shifts to All-Rounders: Day 2 Decisions
As the auction moved into its second day, RCB continued with their strategic focus, shifting to a well-balanced mix of all-rounders. It became clear that the team wasn’t just aiming for star power, but for players who could deliver in multiple facets of the game. The all-rounders they secured on Day 2 had a balanced skill set that could make a huge difference in the long run.
The highlight of Day 2 was Tim David, the Australian batter, who was brought in for an affordable 3 crore. Known for his big-hitting abilities, David is the kind of player RCB has often lacked—a hard-hitting finisher who can turn games in their favor with the bat. On top of that, the inclusion of seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar added significant value to the squad. His wealth of experience and knack for swinging the ball could be just what RCB needs to lead them to glory in IPL 2025.
Key Retained Players: RCB’s Core Group of 2025
While the auction gave RCB the chance to add new faces, their core group of players remained unchanged. The team retained a few vital players whose performances in past seasons have consistently been outstanding. Leading the charge is none other than Virat Kohli, the franchise’s captain and face. Kohli's leadership and batting prowess make him an invaluable asset to the team, and his experience will be crucial in guiding the younger players in the squad.
Rajat Patidar, another retained player, has been a reliable contributor for RCB. His solid performances in key matches provide stability to the middle order. Alongside him, Yash Dayal, the young pacer, will be expected to take on more responsibility and deliver in the crucial overs. The retention of these players ensures that RCB will enter IPL 2025 with a strong foundation, combining both experience and youthful energy.
Uncapped Gems and New Faces: The Hidden Talents
One of the most intriguing aspects of RCB’s squad for 2025 is the inclusion of several uncapped players. The team’s scouts clearly identified some of the best hidden talents in Indian domestic cricket, and they are eager to see how these players fare on the big stage. Among these uncapped players, Jitesh Sharma, Rasikh Dar, and Suyash Sharma stand out as key potential game-changers.
RCB’s decision to invest in these uncapped players is not just about their raw talent but also about their long-term potential. By nurturing these players, RCB could be setting the stage for a new generation of stars who could lead the team in the future. Their selection represents a forward-thinking approach, as RCB builds a team not just for IPL 2025, but for the years to come.
The All-Rounders: Key to RCB’s Versatility
RCB’s strategy of investing in all-rounders was a defining feature of their auction. The team added a mix of batting and bowling all-rounders who could play versatile roles throughout the tournament. Players like Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd bring balance to the squad, able to contribute both with the bat and the ball, ensuring that RCB has the flexibility to adjust to various match situations.
The inclusion of all-rounders is always a smart move in T20 cricket, where match conditions can change rapidly. These players offer the team a lot of options and could play a critical role in RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign. Their presence ensures that RCB will have enough depth in both the batting and bowling departments, reducing the team’s reliance on a few star performers.
RCB’s Foreign Players: Experience and Firepower
While the Indian contingent of players remains a focus for RCB, their foreign players also add significant value to the squad. Players like Josh Hazlewood, Liam Livingstone, and Tim David bring international experience and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Hazlewood, with his expertise in both T20s and international cricket, will be pivotal in leading RCB’s pace attack.
Liam Livingstone, the explosive batting all-rounder, is another exciting addition. Known for his ability to clear boundaries and bowl crucial overs, Livingstone’s versatility makes him a key player for RCB. Together with Tim David, this trio of foreign players provides a healthy mix of experience, skill, and firepower to the squad.
The Final Squad: RCB’s IPL 2025 Dream Team
After the completion of the auction, RCB’s IPL 2025 squad is now set, and it looks balanced and formidable. With 22 players in total, including 14 Indian players and 8 overseas stars, the squad is a mixture of youth and experience. The team’s depth, both in batting and bowling, gives them a solid foundation to compete with the best in the league.
Here’s a look at RCB’s final squad for IPL 2025:
- Virat Kohli (c) – Batter
- Josh Hazlewood – Bowler
- Phil Salt – Batter
- Rajat Patidar – Batter
- Jitesh Sharma – Batter
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Bowler
- Liam Livingstone – Batting All-rounder
- Rasikh Salam Dar – Bowler
- Krunal Pandya – Bowling All-rounder
- Yash Dayal – Bowler
- Tim David – Batter
- Suyash Sharma – Bowler
- Jacob Bethell – Batting All-rounder
- Devdutt Padikkal – Top Order Batter
- Nuwan Thushara – Bowler
- Romario Shepherd – Bowling All-rounder
- Lungi Ngidi – Bowler
- Swapnil Singh – Bowling All-rounder
- Manoj Bhandage – All-rounder
- Swastik Chikkara – Batter
- Abhinandan Singh – Bowler
- Mohit Rathee – Bowling All-rounder
Squad Depth and Purse: RCB’s Resource Allocation
RCB has not just made smart picks, but also ensured that their purse was wisely utilized throughout the auction. With a squad strength of 22 players and just 0.75 crore left in the purse, RCB has maximized their resources. This balance between quality and quantity ensures that RCB has a strong, versatile team ready to take on the IPL 2025 challenges.
The inclusion of both experienced international players and promising young talents shows that RCB is gearing up for a sustained period of success. With an eye on both short-term glory and long-term growth, RCB’s squad is now ready to give their fans something to cheer about.
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