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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been one of the most captivating franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Bengaluru-based franchise was founded during the inception of the IPL in 2008 by United Spirits.
One of their greatest strengths is their passionate fan base, who have been tirelessly supporting them over the years. The energy and enthusiasm of the supporters, particularly at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, provide a major boost for the team. However, despite their star-studded lineup and huge fan base, RCB have yet to win an IPL title. They have been runners-up thrice—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—and have advanced to the playoffs in nine of the seventeen seasons.
They also competed in the Champions League Twenty20 in the 2011 season and finished as runners-up. Additionally, RCB holds two unwanted records– the lowest total score in an innings (49, against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2017 season) and the highest total score conceded in an innings (287, against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 season).
As we look forward to the IPL 2025 edition, there’s a growing sense of optimism that this could be their year, with their supporters hopeful that they might finally say, “Ee sala cup namde.” Let’s explore whether 2025 could be the year RCB clinches the coveted trophy.
History of RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore, was the second-highest bid at the team auction held by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in September 2007. The team was acquired by Vijay Mallya for a whopping $111.6 million. For the first season, Rahul Dravid, their then-icon player was appointed as captain, and Venkatesh Prasad was named the coach.
RCB first reached an IPL final in the 2009 edition held in South Africa but they fell short against now-defunct Deccan Chargers. In the 2011 season, RCB finished as table toppers after the league stage and went on to play the final. Unfortunately, they struggled in the summit clash and lost to Chennai Super Kings by 58 runs. They reached the final for the third time in the 2016 IPL season. They failed to bring the trophy home again, after suffering a narrow eight-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Virat Kohli, who took up RCB’s captaincy in 2013, stepped down from the role ahead of the 2022 season. Subsequently, Faf du Plessis was named as RCB skipper, and under the South African, RCB advanced past the Eliminator stage for the first time in two seasons.
Can RCB win IPL 2025?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have come close to winning the title multiple times over the years but have never made it. RCB are unlikely to win the title in the upcoming season as well. Here are five reasons why RCB might not secure the IPL title in 2025:
1. Team Composition and Strategy Challenges:
Over-dependence on star players: Over the years, RCB have heavily relied on star players like Virat Kohli. The former RCB captain has been RCB’s standout performer over the years. Although his performances are usually exceptional, the team’s success shouldn’t rely solely on him or any other individual, which is a significant issue for the side. Furthermore, if Kohli or another key player underperforms or gets injured, RCB’s batting lineup could collapse.
Inconsistent bowling attack: RCB are one team that consists of a star-studded bowling lineup. Despite this factor, they couldn’t perform well in most of the matches due to the inconsistency of the bowlers. The team has struggled to find a reliable death bowler and a spinner who can significantly impact their success. This inconsistency in the bowling department can be detrimental to the team in pressure-packed scenarios.
2. Leadership and Coaching Challenges:
Coaching Turnover: due to their inconsistent performances, RCB frequently make changes in their coaching staff. Sadly, it usually disrupts continuity in strategy and team culture. If they bring in another new coach for the upcoming IPL season, it may take time for the new strategies to align with the team’s current playing technique.
Captaincy decisions: The captaincy is crucial for success in the tournament. Changes in captaincy can adversely affect the team while executing the strategies. Above all, a seamless relationship between the captain, coach, and players is essential. Notably, a disorder in this dynamic could negatively affect the team’s performance.
3. Auction strategy and player retention issues:
Missteps in player auctions: RCB often faces challenges while buying a player in the auction. Notably, they often faced scrutiny, regarding the balance between investing in big names and bolstering the squad. Notably, if they fail to acquire versatile players or overpay for those who underperform, it could result in a squad imbalance when they head to another season hoping to win their first title.
Retention Decisions: As per the current retention rule a team is allowed to keep 3-4 players ahead of the 2025 IPL season. They should carefully consider which players to be retained focusing mainly on their performance in the T20 format in recent times. Additionally, if they retain players like Glenn Maxwell, it might not produce the desired outcomes as the Australian underperformed in the previous edition with both bat and ball.
4. Cultural and Team Dynamics Challenges:
Individual vs. Team focus: RCB have faced severe criticisms as they put too much priority on individual brilliance rather than fostering team bonds. There might be a lack of unity if they follow this approach in the upcoming season as well. Players may struggle to perform effectively which potentially impacts the team’s performance in significant matches.
Handling pressure: A team’s greatest strength lies in its ability to effectively perform under pressure. RCB have previously floundered under pressure in playoffs and other crucial games. If they fail to address this, it could result in another season of close calls.
5. Challenges in adapting to new formats and rules:
Evolving game: RCB often struggles to adjust to new changes introduced by the IPL. The tournament has presented a new change, bringing in Impact Player rule in 2023. This rule provides an opportunity for the teams to strategize their tactics accordingly. If RCB’s strategy fails to keep pace with these changes, they may be beaten by more adaptable teams.
Tactical innovations: Most significantly, if RCB doesn’t adopt new techniques in batting, bowling, or fielding, they might face heightened issues
RCB’s likely retained and released players for IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) endured a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign. The Bengaluru-based franchise began poorly but mounted a notable comeback to reach the playoffs. Regrettably, their title hopes were dashed when they suffered a four-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator held in Ahmedabad.
Several players in RCB’s star-studded lineup delivered impressive performances in the previous season. Virat Kohli was the top run-scorer of the team and the tournament, having scored 741 runs, while Yash Dayal led the team’s wicket-takers chart with 15 dismissals. However, some players showed lackluster performance, leaving RCB in a quandary about who to retain and who to release. Notably, likely retained players include Kohli, Mohammed Siraj, Rajat Patidar, and Will Jacks, while Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, and Faf du Plessis might be released ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
Reference Article
5 Reasons Why RCB Will Not Win IPL 2025 (thecricketlounge.com)