IPL 2025: The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has ignited enthusiasm among the fans not only for the classic cricketing action but also for the unique coincidence of the number 18.
Indian star batsman Virat Kohli, who has been branded with the jersey number 18, remains the core pillar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and the team sets off their campaign with a mission to claim their maiden championship title in the 18th edition.
However, fans are curious if this could be the year for Kohli and RCB to exhibit a dynamic performance and lift the highly coveted IPL trophy under a new captain Rajat Patidar.
Let’s find out why Royal Challengers has a better chance of succeeding not because of superstition or symbolism, but for the huge modifications they have made to the team in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
How did RCB Perform in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
RCB is set to start the IPL 2025 season with fresh leadership, updated squads, and clear goals, but their decisions at the mega auction raised several questions.
After retaining Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore), and Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore), Bengaluru had the option to use three Right to Match (RTM) cards on two capped and an uncapped player during the auction.
Instead of using RTMs on the two long-standing core capped players like Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell, the management focussed on building the squad from scratch to strengthen the batting and bowling line-up.
Having entered the two-day bidding event with the second-largest purse of INR 83 crore, RCB blew away a massive sum of money to secure these expensive buys:
- Josh Hazlewood (INR 12.50 crore): Bengaluru entered an intense bidding war with Mumbai Indians (MI) to secure the services of the Australian pacer. His experience and domination with the new ball could add a new dimension to the bowling unit.
- Phil Salt (INR 11.50 crore): Currently ranked as the ICC’s number 3 T20I batter, RCB engaged in a tough battle against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and increased Salt’s worth upto INR 11.50 crore, from his base price of INR 2 crore.
- Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 crore): The wicketkeeper-batter witnessed a sudden spike from his base price of INR 1 crore after RCB won the triple bidding war against these three teams namely:
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (INR 10.75 crore): After parting ways with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the seasoned Indian seamer entered the auction with his base price of INR 2 crore. However, RCB signed him for INR 10.75 crore to bolster the pace attack along with Hazlewood and Dayal, particularly in the death overs.
RCB’s Core Players to Watch Out for in IPL 2025
These are the big names of RCB who can steer their team to the winning title in IPL 2025:
- Virat Kohli: Season 18 could be the ultimate destiny for the iconic batter. Kohli’s hunger to accumulate runs after missing out on the IPL trophy in three finals could be a game-changing moment for RCB in the upcoming edition.
- Rajat Patidar: The new captain of RCB has a huge responsibility to steer RCB to its first IPL championship title. Rajat’s consistency in the past few seasons adds strength to the middle-order unit. He is one such talented batter who can lead the batting lineup from the front after early collapses and promises to be a key factor for Bengaluru’s triumphant campaign.
- Phil Salt: After a successful season with KKR in IPL 2024, Salt’s deal seems to be one of the biggest breakthroughs for RCB. His success as an opening batter in the previous season can help provide explosive starts to the team along with Kohli in the top order.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The Indian speedster’s return to Bengaluru’s squad will be essential in high-pressure matches. His talent to swing the new ball and deliver lethal yorkers challenges the opponent team’s in-form batters.
- Liam Livingstone: The English all-rounder can add strength to the middle-order lineup as a right-handed batter. In addition, his contributions as a handy spinner will be crucial to enhance RCB’s success rate.
RCB’s Predicted XI For IPL 2025
| S.No | Player | Role | Nation |
| 1. | Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper-Batter | England |
| 2. | Virat Kohli | Batter | India |
| 3. | Rajat Patidar | Batter | India |
| 4. | Liam Livingstone | All-rounder | England |
| 5. | Tim David | Batter | Australia |
| 6. | Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | India |
| 7. | Swapnil Singh | Bowler | India |
| 8. | Josh Hazlewood | Bowler | Australia |
| 9. | Nuwan Thushara | Bowler | Sri Lanka |
| 10. | Suyash Sharma | Bowler | India |
| 11. | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler | India |
Will the Star Performers Unite for RCB to Win the IPL 2025 Trophy?
RCB remains one of the popular IPL franchises having a huge fanbase and some high-profile cricketers, but they are yet to win a trophy. It is a huge challenge for the entire team to overcome the heartbreaking finals of the 2009, 2011, and 2016 editions, that have permanently left wounds in the hearts of all dedicated fans.
However, a completely rebuilt squad will reduce the over-dependence on Virat Kohli, with the presence of talented batters like Patidar, Salt, Livingstone, and David. In addition, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar add strength to the speed bowling unit.
Possibly, the symbolic connection between Season 18 and Virat’s jersey number 18 could add a new saga to the team’s successful campaign, which RCB fans have been waiting for ages. Ultimately, an emotional and memorable season is likely to be on its way for Bengaluru.
