RCB off to a great start in IPL 2025; What makes them a balanced unit?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have started IPL 2025 with back-to-back wins. Have they finally found the right balance? What’s clicking for them this season?

Dinesh Karthik, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting coach and mentor, had a clear vision for IPL 2025. The franchise has built a squad with explosive power and solid bowling. From targeting dynamic openers like Phil Salt to strengthening the middle order with Jitesh Sharma, Karthik focused on consistency, not just star power. His plan also prioritised a lethal bowling attack and specific players like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. Karthik, with his sharp insights and winning mentality, believes RCB has one of their strongest squads yet, and with the outstanding performances in the first two matches, the players have stood up to his expectations.

Also, when the legend AB de Villiers himself said that RCB in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 looks ‘10 times better’ and more balanced than ever before, and that their head-start will make things smoother moving forward, you know he’s not just talking the talk but means something.

The Bengaluru side has hit the ground running, clinching victories in both of their matches so far in the tournament. With a perfect mix of balance, determination, and the astute leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB have made a bold statement in their first two games, soaring to the top of the points table. The contributions have been nothing short of impressive, whether it’s the fire top-order batting or the nerve-wracking death-over bowling, RCB has been a force to be reckoned with in every department.

Fire starts by top-order batters
In their opening match of IPL 2025 against Kolkata Knight Riders, RCB’s top order set the tone with a blistering 95 runs off just 51 balls before the first wicket of Phil Salt fell. Chasing 175 in the second innings, RCB was already nearing the 100-run mark before the 9th over, making it clear the game was firmly in their hands. This explosive start was thanks to Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, both scoring half-centuries against KKR’s bowlers, including the dangerous Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, all while playing at KKR’s home ground.

In the next match, the duo again wasted no time, sending RCB off to a fast start in the powerplay. Phil Salt was on fire, smashing 5 fours and 1 six to score 32 runs off just 16 balls, with a staggering strike rate of 200. While Kohli didn’t go for big shots, he anchored the innings, ensuring RCB remained steady and on course.

Let’s not forget Devdutt Padikkal, the impact player who came in against CSK and played a stylish cameo. He added 27 runs off just 14 balls at a strike rate of 192.86, keeping the momentum going while Kohli settled in. Padikkal’s quickfire knock ensured RCB’s charge didn’t lose steam, further adding to their dominance.

Middle Order Resilience
The middle order of RCB is led by skipper Rajat Patidar himself, who has quickly become one of the league’s most reliable middle-order batters. In their match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Patidar played a crucial knock, scoring 51 runs off 32 balls and was rightly named Player of the Match for his match-winning contribution. He continued his fine form against KKR, scoring a quick 34 runs off just 16 balls. His ability to score rapidly with minimal risk, all while playing with grace, has been a major advantage for RCB.

Patidar’s composure under pressure, particularly against spin bowling, has earned him praise from experts like Sanjay Bangar, who noted that bringing spinners against him is like ‘inviting trouble.’ This ability to handle pressure situations makes him an asset in tight matches.

The middle order also boasts the presence of Liam Livingstone. While Livingstone has yet to play a substantial innings, his quick-fire contributions have been invaluable. In both matches, the English all-rounder struck a rapid 15 runs off 5 balls against KKR and 10 runs against CSK, proving his ability to thrive in pressure situations and complementing RCB’s middle-order strength.

When it comes to finishing strong, Tim David steps up, ensuring RCB capitalises on the solid starts they get. In the match against CSK, David smashed 22 runs off just 8 deliveries, with all his runs coming through fours and sixes, pushing RCB closer to the 200-run mark. Jitesh Sharma, a valuable pickup in the auction, also got his chance against CSK, contributing 12 runs at a strike rate of 200, making a small yet crucial impact. While RCB’s top order has been on fire, the finishers are still waiting for their moment to shine. Don’t forget, Romario Shepherd and Jacob Bethell, both powerful finishers, are ready to unleash their fury when called upon.

Bowling Attack: Spin and Pace
When we talk about RCB, their batting has always been a firecracker, but let’s be honest, their bowling was often more of a ‘work in progress.’ However, this time around, the bowlers are the ones making all the noise. RCB now boasts a well-rounded attack, blending pace and spin like a master chef mixing ingredients. Josh Hazlewood has been a standout, topping the wicket charts with six wickets across two matches. He delivered a sensational performance against CSK, taking 3/21, using his height and precision to make batsmen look like they were facing a wall of fire.

The only bowler RCB retained, Yash Dayal, has justified his place with great performances. He grabbed a wicket against KKR but truly shone against CSK, dismissing Rachin Ravindra and Shivam Dube in a single over, setting the tone for CSK’s downfall in the match.

In the spin department, Krunal Pandya has been a revelation, bagging 3 wickets against KKR, including toppling Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, and the dangerous Rinku Singh. Alongside him, young Suyash Sharma might not top the wicket tally but has shown remarkable skill and confidence.

And let’s not forget Liam Livingstone, who has become RCB’s surprise package, acting as the sixth bowler, taking 2 wickets against CSK and keeping it tight against KKR. The bowling has finally matched the batting firepower, and RCB is looking well-rounded now.

The fearless captaincy of Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar’s fearless captaincy is on full display, especially when he set up a short leg and slip for MS Dhoni in the 16th over—bold, right? That’s the kind of mindset leading RCB this season. Patidar’s tactical brilliance was clear in both matches, from using Yash Dayal to create chaos against CSK to introducing Liam Livingstone as the surprise sixth bowler. His sharp fielding setups and ability to keep the team’s spirit high show real leadership. Suresh Raina even praised his strategic insights. Under Patidar, RCB secured their first win over CSK at Chepauk since 2008, proving they’re champions in the making.