IPL 2025: Top Performers who drove Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s incredible journey to the Final.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have showcased exceptional performances throughout the IPL 2025 season, culminating in their entry into the final. Several players have been instrumental in this journey, delivering match-winning contributions with both bat and ball.
As RCB prepare for the IPL 2025 final, these players’ contributions will be vital in their quest for the elusive title. With a blend of experience and youthful energy, RCB look poised to make a significant impact in the showdown.
Here are the five top performers for RCB in IPL 2025
Virat Kohli: The pillar of RCB’s batting line-up
Virat Kohli has been the cornerstone of RCB’s batting unit in IPL 2025, delivering consistent performances throughout the tournament. With 614 runs to his name in 14 matches at an average nearing 55.82 and a strike rate above 146.53, Kohli has anchored the innings while also accelerating when needed.
His approach this season has demonstrated maturity combined with calculated aggression, an evolution of his classical game to suit the modern demands of T20. Kohli’s ability to handle pressure, especially in crunch matches, has made him indispensable for RCB’s success.
His standout knock of 72* off 43 balls came against the Rajasthan Royals, where he orchestrated a clinical chase under pressure. In the Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, his calm presence on the field ensured no slip-ups, highlighting his value as a sportsperson and leader.
Beyond his numbers, Kohli’s intensity on the field and vocal leadership have continued to inspire the squad, setting a high benchmark for fitness and commitment. His eyes are now firmly set on bringing home RCB’s first IPL title.
Read More: Virat Kohli crosses 9000-run mark for RCB: The story of an unbreakable bond
Josh Hazlewood: The bowling spearhead
Josh Hazlewood has been RCB’s most impactful bowler this season, taking 21 wickets in 13 games at an economy of just 8.3. The tall Australia pacer has been devastating with the new ball, often striking in the powerplay to derail opposition plans.
His control over line and length, paired with subtle variations, has made him a nightmare for even the best of batters. Hazlewood’s consistency in breaking partnerships and keeping run-rates in check has given RCB crucial breakthroughs at vital junctures.
In the Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, he bagged 3/21, removing key batters including Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran. His finest performance came against the Rajasthan Royals where he bagged 4/33, was another standout, dismissing Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav to seal the win.
Hazlewood’s role has been more than just picking wickets; he’s been a tone-setter for the entire bowling unit, mentoring younger bowlers and providing stability in pressure situations.
Read More: Role of Josh Hazlewood (16 wickets) in RCB’s great run in IPL 2025
Phil Salt: The explosive opener
England’s Phil Salt has injected a new level of aggression at the top of the order for RCB in IPL 2025. Opening the batting, he’s scored 387 runs in 12 matches at an explosive strike rate of 175.9, making him one of the fastest-scoring batters this season.
His ability to dominate the powerplay and take down both pace and spin has provided RCB with flying starts, often putting the opposition on the back foot within the first six overs. Salt’s fearless mindset has complemented Kohli’s measured aggression perfectly.
One of his most memorable innings came in the Qualifier against Punjab Kings, where he smashed an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls*, ensuring RCB chased down 102 in just 10 overs. Earlier, against Rajasthan Royals, he hammered a blistering 65 off 33 balls, dismantling their pace attack.
Salt’s adaptability, whether facing express pace or quality spin, has allowed RCB to build formidable totals and chase daunting targets. His form going into the final could prove to be a game-changer.
Read More: Rajat Patidar quietly takes RCB into the final in his first season as captain
Krunal Pandya: The spin wizard
Krunal Pandya has emerged as RCB’s go-to spinner in the middle overs, picking up 15 wickets in 14 matches. The left-arm spinner has choked runs and forced batters into mistakes, especially on slower wickets.
What sets Krunal apart is his game awareness, knowing when to bowl flatter or toss it up, and his subtle variations in pace. In a season where RCB relied heavily on seam, Krunal’s containment and control have been key to maintaining pressure from both ends.
His best spell came in the opener against MI, where he bagged 4/45, dismissing key players like Shreyas Iyer and Andre Russell. That performance set the tone for his season. In matches where RCB’s pacers struggled, Krunal often stemmed the run flow, forcing risky shots and enabling breakthroughs from the other end. Additionally, his contributions with the bat has added depth to the lower order. His all-round value has quietly strengthened RCB’s campaign.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The Veteran Swing Bowler
Though not always in the spotlight, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 15 wickets in IPL 2025 have come at crucial moments for RCB. As the most experienced pacer in the lineup, Bhuvi has been responsible for bowling the tough overs — be it upfront or at the death. While he has conceded 445 runs, his economy in the death overs is 9.27 and knack for dismissing set batters have kept him relevant in a high-scoring season. His control over swing and slower balls remains unmatched among Indian bowlers.
A defining performance came against Lucknow Super Giants, where Bhuvneshwar picked 3/33, including KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran, swinging the match in RCB’s favor. His slower deliveries have been particularly effective on dry pitches, deceiving batters into mistimed shots. Off the field, his mentorship for younger bowlers like Vyshak Vijaykumar has added depth to the squad’s bowling strategy. As RCB heads into the final, Bhuvneshwar’s ability to keep nerves under control will be vital in pressure scenarios.
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