02 June,2025 08:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Sujay Shivalkar
Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru walk through the ground during their Qualifier clash against Punjab Kings (Pic: X/@RCBTweets)
Over the years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have faced severe criticism for failing to clinch the Indian Premier League (IPL) title since the tournament's inception in 2008.
There have been several seasons where RCB struggled, either with their batting or bowling lineup. However, in IPL 2025, the Bengaluru side has left no stone unturned under the leadership of Rajat Patidar.
Throughout the ongoing edition of the IPL, RCB has found its ideal opening combination in Phil Salt and stalwart Virat Kohli. The duo has clicked in crucial matches and developed strong chemistry, especially while running between the wickets.
Recently, former RCB batsman AB de Villiers mentioned on a show that he felt the team found the right balance during the auction. He is also expected to be present at the venue to witness his former team's pursuit of their maiden, historic title.
In the middle order, wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has impressed with his consistent performances and exceptional batting skills. Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal have also played important roles in supporting Jitesh.
After Padikkal's unfortunate exit from the league due to injury, Mayank Agarwal has stepped in as a blessing, providing much-needed stability to RCB's middle order.
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood has been a standout performer for the Bengaluru-based franchise. He is well supported by experienced campaigners Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya.
Leading the attack, Hazlewood has taken 22 wickets so far and is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Krunal, with his all-round skills, has also made valuable contributions in both departments.
Another reason some fans believe in RCB's potential triumph this year is the symbolic connection between Virat Kohli's jersey number (18) and the fact that IPL has turned 18 this season. Social media is abuzz with fans who see this as a lucky sign for the franchise.
The Rajat Patidar-led side is all set to face Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3.
IPL 2025 final, RCB vs PBKS: Full squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Swastik Chikara, Jitesh Sharma, Philip Salt, Manoj Bhandage, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh, Mayank Agarwal, Blessing Muzarabani, Tim Seifert.
Punjab Kings: Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Praveen Dubey, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Kuldeep Sen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Mitchell Owen, Kyle Jamieson.
