In this article, we take a look at the SWOT Analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore following the IPL 2025 Mega Auction.
Strength
Over the years, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have been found guilty of packing their teams with batters, especially in the top-order, leaving much of their middle-order and bowling line-up looking fragile.
However, this term they’ve done well to build a more well-rounded and balanced playing XI. Although there are elements to this team that look weak and have an element of unpredictability, their top and middle order look much better on paper.
They have an explosive batting line-up comprising Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingston and Jitesh Sharma while the likes of Romario Shepherd and Jacob Betthell give them firepower lower down the order.
Moreover, unlike most franchises, RCB will have experienced international batters like Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David ready to come off the bench.
Weakness
Like last season, RCB lack depth in their spin bowling department. They only have Suyash Sharma and Swapnil Singh as their spin bowling options, while the likes of Krunal Pandya and Liam Livingston will give them further assistance as the other two part-time spin bowling options.
Ever since Yuzvendra Chahal’s departure, the RCB have been on the lookout for a quality leg spinner. They tried Wanindu Hasaranga and Karn Sharma, however, neither bowler was able to live up to Chahal’s standards. Their latest punt, Suyash Sharma, has done very little to warrant any confidence in the 21-year-old to lead the RCB spin attack, taking into consideration that he was restricted to just two Impact Sub appearances last season.
Moreover, the likes of Liam Livingston and Krunal Pandya are reasonable part-time options, but don’t have the skillset to restrict opposition batters especially in a small ground like the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Opportunity
There are quite a few players who can have a big say in how RCB will fare during IPL 2025. The Royal Challengers management went big for Jammu & Kashmir pacer Rasikh Dar in the mega auction after the 24-year-old impressed last season playing for the Delhi Capitals. Dar emerged as one of DC’s most dependable bowlers at the death and for a team like RCB, who’ve been struggling in the death bowling department for quite some time, the 24-year-old will get plenty of game time with many of their seamers specialising with the new ball up front.
The duo of Rasikh Dar and Yash Dayal, although young and inexperienced, still gives them options with someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipping in with an over or two when required.
Another promising youngster who’ll have a lot of eyes on him is England’s Jacob Betthell. The 21-year-old explosive batting allrounder has taken to international cricket like a duck to water. Apart from his power-hitting abilities, Betthell also bowls slow left-arm spin, which will come handy in slow, spinning wickets. Moreover, the fact the RCB batting line-up is predominantly right-hander heavy, it’ll give them the opportunity to the 21-year-old as a floater as and when required.
Threat
The team’s biggest threat would be not having many backup options for certain positions, which could cause problems as the competition progresses. Though they have a strong fast bowling core, a lack of backup options for them in case of any injury concerns can affect the team’s result.
Moreover, apart from Yash Dayal and Rasikh Dar, who themselves still have a lot to prove, most of RCB’s fast bowling contingent are new-ball bowlers. Thus, on pitches, where there’s very little grass cover and less assistance for new ball bowlers, they’ll struggle for breakthroughs, given their spin bowling department looks light without a frontline spinner who can wreak havoc with spin.
Furthermore, the side does not have alternative options for the opening slots in case Phil Salt doesn’t fire at the top.
Probable XII: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingston, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd/Jacob Betthell, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal/Rasikh Dar (Impact Sub)
Prediction: 9th
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