Prateeksha Thakur
The IPL 2025 mega auction has left Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans scratching their heads. Expectations were sky-high, with marquee names like Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul up for grabs. However, RCB chose a different path, opting out of the bidding wars for these big names and instead investing in three key players. While this approach has drawn mixed reactions online, the franchise hopes its fresh recruits can finally bring home the elusive IPL trophy.
Also read: RCB shocks fans, Warner, Boult, among Big names ahead of IPL 2025
Two of these players come with championship experience, adding weight to RCB’s dream of clinching their maiden title. Here’s a closer look at RCB’s new match-winners:
- Krunal Pandya
The versatile Krunal Pandya, who was released by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the auction, found a new home with RCB for ₹5.75 crore. Known for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Krunal brings a wealth of experience from his successful stint with the Mumbai Indians, where he was part of several title-winning campaigns.
For RCB, Krunal’s inclusion adds depth to the middle order and a reliable spin-bowling option. The franchise and its fans are banking on him to replicate his champion mindset and make crucial contributions when it matters most.
2. Liam Livingstone
England’s power-hitting all-rounder Liam Livingstone has been roped in by RCB for ₹8.75 crore. While his performance with Punjab Kings in the previous seasons was underwhelming, Livingstone’s reputation as a destructive batsman and handy bowler remains intact.
RCB is betting on Livingstone to unlock his full potential in the new setup. His ability to clear boundaries at will and contribute with the ball could make him the X-factor that RCB has often lacked in crucial games.
3. Phil Salt
RCB shelled out a whopping ₹11.50 crore to acquire England’s explosive opener Phil Salt. Last season, Salt turned heads while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, where he scored an impressive 435 runs in 12 matches, including several blistering starts.
With his ability to set the tone at the top of the order, Salt could be a game-changer for RCB. Paired with Virat Kohli or Faf du Plessis, Salt’s aggressive approach can give the team the kind of flying starts they’ve often struggled to achieve in high-pressure games.
Will This Be RCB’s Year?
While fans may have initially questioned the franchise’s strategy in the auction, these three players bring a mix of experience, explosiveness, and match-winning potential. With Krunal Pandya’s all-round abilities, Livingstone’s versatility, and Salt’s fireworks at the top, RCB’s squad looks promising.
The big question remains: will these fresh faces finally help RCB break their IPL trophy drought? Only time will tell, but for now, the excitement among fans is palpable, and the upcoming season promises to be one of high hopes and intense action for the Bangalore faithful.
NI Bureau
