New Delhi: The countdown for IPL 2025 has begun, and the tournament opener will feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on March 22. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, is once again aiming for their maiden IPL title. Despite having one of the most passionate fan bases due to Virat Kohli, the team has faced criticism for failing to secure a championship.

Squad Composition and Concerns

RCB will play their third match of the season at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Each IPL team is allowed a maximum of 25 players, but RCB has included only 22 in their squad. The team is loaded with bowlers, boasting nine specialist pacers, while they have only six pure batsmen and seven all-rounders. However, there are still three major weaknesses that could hinder their title hopes.

Lack of Impactful Foreign Pacers

One of RCB’s biggest concerns is their fast-bowling attack. Apart from Josh Hazlewood, the team lacks a truly impactful overseas pacer. Lungi Ngidi is the only other foreign fast bowler in the squad, but his IPL record has been inconsistent, and he last played an IPL match in 2021.

Josh Hazlewood is returning from injury, and Ngidi was doubtful for the tournament just a few weeks ago. Their form and fitness remain key concerns. Additionally, while the team has Nuwan Thushara and Romario Shepherd, neither has made a significant mark in the IPL. This weak pace attack could hurt RCB’s chances, especially in crucial matches.

RCB’s Full Squad for IPL 2025

Captain: Rajat Patidar

Batsmen: Virat Kohli, Swastik Chikara, Devdutt Padikkal

Wicketkeepers: Jitesh Sharma, Philip Salt

All-rounders: Manoj Bhandage, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh

Despite their talent, RCB will need their pacers to step up if they want to break their IPL trophy drought in 2025. Will this be the year they finally lift the coveted trophy, or will these weaknesses cost them once again? Only time will tell