The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter IPL 2025 with high hopes and a talented squad, but the road to their elusive first IPL title is fraught with challenges.
Known for their passionate fanbase and star-studded lineup, RCB has often come close to glory but has fallen short due to key vulnerabilities.
As the tournament kicks off on March 23, the franchise will need to overcome critical concerns that could impact their performance this season.
Here are three major issues that could affect RCB’s performance.
1. Inexperienced Spin Bowling Department
One of the most pressing concerns for RCB is their spin bowling department. With Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma as their primary spinners, there are doubts about their effectiveness and reliability.
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra highlighted that Krunal is not a regular four-over bowler, which raises questions about the team’s ability to contain runs during the middle overs.
The lack of a genuine wrist spinner further complicates matters, as RCB’s spin options may not be sufficient to challenge opponents effectively on turning tracks.
This deficiency could leave the team vulnerable, especially against strong batting lineups that can exploit weak spin bowling.
2. Middle-Order Stability
Another major concern for RCB is the stability of their middle order. While the top order features explosive talents like Virat Kohli and Phil Salt, there is uncertainty regarding who will consistently perform at No. 4 and No. 5.
The absence of a reliable middle-order batsman capable of anchoring innings when early wickets fall has been a recurring issue for RCB in past seasons.
Although players like Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma provide some depth, their ability to deliver under pressure remains untested in high-stakes situations.
If RCB’s top order fails to fire, the middle order must step up to ensure that the team can post competitive totals or chase down targets effectively.
3. Leadership Under Pressure
With Rajat Patidar taking over as captain for IPL 2025, there are concerns about his experience and ability to lead under pressure.
Traditionally, RCB has relied on seasoned international stars for captaincy roles, but Patidar’s inexperience at this level raises questions about his decision-making and tactical acumen during crucial moments in matches.
As he navigates the challenges of leading a high-profile franchise with significant expectations, his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates will be critical.
The pressure of breaking RCB’s title drought adds an extra layer of complexity to his role as captain.
