Virat Kohli captain, Siraj-Maxwell replacements locked in: Here’s best Playing XI for RCB at IPL 2025

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entered the IPL 2025 mega auction with the second-biggest purse of Rs 83 crore. Retaining just Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, they were in for another overhaul. And the overhaul was there to be seen as they only brought back just one player (Swapnil Singh) from their IPL 2024 team. Let go of Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Maxwell, and even skipper Faf du Plessis. Hence, it was important for RCB to sign some phenomenal matchwinners. While they did acquire some great buys in Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone, RCB fans were left quiet worried after the IPL 2025 Auction. On that note, let us hop into the best playing XIs for RCB.

RCB batters ft. Virat Kohli (C)

Virat Kohli is the first name on the team sheet, for sure. But most importantly, he could be and should be the captain of the side once more. They haven’t signed a designated skipper at the auction, and we can expect the management to take Kohli overboard. Kohli should also continue opening the batting. Last season, he made 741 runs at an incredible average of 61.75 at a SR of 154.69. This time, his partner is IPL 2024 winner Phil Salt. The England star announced himself in the IPL, with the former KKR opener making 435 runs at a SR of 182.00. He could even keep as well, but RCB have a designated Indian keeper too.

At number three should be Rajat Patidar, who was retained at Rs 11 crore. RCB have been in the search of an Indian batter apart from Virat Kohli, and Patidar has all the abilities to be the present and future of the franchise. In fact, Robin Uthappa even batted for Patidar to be the RCB skipper. For RCB, Patidar has made almost 800 runs at a SR of 158.84.

RCB middle-order ft. Liam Livingstone

Coming to number four is RCB’s marquee signing, Liam Livingstone. The English all-rounder is having a sort of renaissance. Last year, he had an average of 29.52 and a SR of 108.18 across all formats for England. But so far in 2024, he has been in incredible form, hammering 550 runs at an average and SR of 42.30 and 142.48, respectively. Signed for almost Rs 9 crore, Livingstone could be a perfect batter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and can be equally effective with the ball as well. Who knows, he might be an ideal replacement for Glenn Maxwell.

At five, we have Jitesh Sharma, who has got Rs 11 crore. Although Jitesh hasn’t had a great year so far, his signing is just to fill in the void left by Dinesh Karthik. DK used to play those impactful cameos, something that Jitesh is used to doing. In fact, he is a proper keeper, and being an Indian is an advantage at that finishing role. To back him up, RCB have Tim David, who is a dangerous commodity. David was released by the Mumbai Indians (MI), and getting him at just Rs 3 crore was fantasic. He can wreak havoc on his day.

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Krunal Pandya: An important cog for RCB

Leave aside the trolling he receives; Krunal Pandya will be a vital cog for RCB. The Rs 5.75 crore signing will act as a proper bridge between the batting and bowling. He is a street smart cricketer, waiting to get another lifeline in the IPL. Pandya’s T20 economy at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is just 7.26, which is remarkable given the batting nature of the ground.

Moreover, we have Swapnil Singh, a player who is from the Krunal Pandya’s mold. Swapnil was RTMed by RCB at Rs 50 lac. He could slot in a couple of overs and can even come to use with the bat in case of an early collapse.

RCB bowlers ft. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Coming to bowlers, we have an all-pace attack. This is a batting first XI, and still we have kept three frontline pacers, backing RCB in the department; they often fail to succeed. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the costliest signing on Day 2 of the auction, will add the much-needed experience in the RCB bowling lineup. He is one of the greatest T20 pacers from India and would take care of the powerplay overs alongside Josh Hazlewood. As for Hazlewood, he is one of the underrated bowlers who can do really well at the Chinnaswamy. He has previously played for the franchise, having taken 23 wickets in 15 games and at an economy of 8.16.

The last pacer in this team is Yash Dayal, who was retained at Rs 5 crore. He will bring in that much-needed left-arm pace bowling angle to the team. Last year, he was bought by RCB for the same amount. He had a great outing last season, taking 15 wickets despite his economy being over 9.

Best Playing XI for RCB for IPL 2025 (batting first)

Best Playing XI for RCB for IPL 2025 (bowling first): Any one of Rasikh Salam or Suyash Sharma replaces Rajat Patidar in the XI. Then, Patidar becomes the Impact Sub in the 2nd innings.