Will Season 18 Bring RCB Their First IPL Trophy? -

Will Season 18 Bring RCB Their First IPL Trophy?

Season 18 of the IPL coincides with Virat Kohli’s iconic jersey number, igniting hopes that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, now led by Rajat Patidar, could finally achieve their long-awaited title victory. This season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has already generated excitement among fans, not only because of the thrilling cricket matches but also due to the significant connection with the number 18. Virat Kohli, who has long been associated with the jersey number 18, continues to be the face of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

As the team begins its journey in the 18th season, fans are eager to see if this will be the year that Kohli and RCB lift the much-coveted IPL trophy.

Rajat Patidar Leads RCB with Fresh Perspective in IPL 2025

RCB’s chances of success depend on more than just superstition or symbolism. With the new leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB enters IPL 2025 with a fresh perspective and renewed determination, following significant changes made during the mega auction. Last season, RCB made a remarkable comeback, winning six consecutive matches to secure a spot in the top four and qualify for the playoffs. This impressive run included a thrilling victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a virtual knockout match, showcasing RCB’s fighting spirit.

How did RCB fare in the IPL 2025 auction?

RCB sparked controversy with their decisions in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, particularly their choice not to use the Right to Match (RTM) card for Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell, who are two of their long-standing core players. Instead, they opted to rebuild from the ground up, clearly aiming to strengthen both their batting and bowling departments. RCB invested Rs 12.50 crore to acquire Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood after a bidding war with the Mumbai Indians. Hazlewood’s experience and control with the ball make him a valuable addition to their bowling lineup.

Phil Salt Joins RCB for ₹11.5 Crore After Bidding War

Phil Salt, ranked No. 3 in T20I batting by the ICC, was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹11.5 crore after they outbid Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He was key to KKR’s title win last season with 435 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 182.01. RCB also secured wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma for ₹11 crore following a bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and others, a significant rise from his base price of ₹1 crore. Additionally, Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to RCB after leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad and will help lead the bowling attack with Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal.

RCB IPL 2025: Full squad

RCB’s big names to watch out for

Phil Salt After a brilliant IPL 2024 with KKR, Salt’s signing is one of RCB’s biggest coups. Given his success as an opener last season, Salt is likely to take on a similar role for RCB, providing explosive starts at the top of the order.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Bhuvneshwar’s return to RCB adds a significant edge to their bowling lineup. His ability to swing the new ball and execute pinpoint yorkers in the death overs will be crucial in high-pressure games.
Rajat Patidar The new captain will have a massive responsibility of steering RCB toward their maiden IPL title. Patidar’s consistent form with the bat and his ability to lead from the front will be key to RCB’s campaign.
Virat Kohli For Kohli, Season 18 could be destiny. The Indian batting icon heads into IPL 2025 with the motivation of his strong Champions Trophy performance, despite India’s loss in the final against New Zealand. Kohli’s form and hunger to finally win an IPL trophy after years of near misses could be the defining factor for RCB this season.

RCB Predicted Playing XI

Predicted XI: Phill Salt (wk), Virat Kohli (Captain), Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara/Lungi Ngidi, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

RCB IPL 2025 Full Schedule:

RCB vs KKR, Kolkata, 22nd March
RCB vs CSK, Chennai, 28th March
RCB vs GT, Bengaluru, 2nd April
RCB vs MI, Mumbai, 7th April
RCB vs DC, Bengaluru, 10th April
RCB vs RR, Jaipur, 13th April
RCB vs PBKS, Bengaluru, 18th April
RCB vs PBKS, Chandigarh, 20th April
RCB vs RR, Bengaluru, 24th April
RCB vs DC, Delhi, 27th April
RCB vs CSK, Bengaluru, 3rd May
RCB vs LSG, Lucknow, 9th May
RCB vs SRH, Bengaluru, 13th May
RCB vs KKR, Bengaluru, 17th May

Will the Stars Finally Align for RCB?

RCB is one of the most popular franchises in the IPL, known for its passionate fanbase and star players. Despite this, the IPL trophy has eluded them, with painful losses in the finals of 2009, 2011, and 2016 still fresh in fans’ minds. With a revamped squad, new leadership, and experienced players like Kohli, Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB seems poised for a serious title challenge. The connection between Season 18 and Kohli’s jersey number adds to the excitement. Could this be the year RCB fans have been waiting for? A season of poetic justice may be on the horizon.

Conclusion

RCB fans have been waiting for years to see their team lift the IPL trophy, and IPL 2025 could be their best chance yet. With a strong squad, experienced players, and new leadership under Rajat Patidar, RCB looks well-balanced in both batting and bowling. The connection between Season 18 and Virat Kohli’s iconic jersey number adds to the excitement, making fans hopeful that this could be their year. If the team plays consistently and handles pressure well, they might finally break their title drought. Will this be the season RCB fulfills its long-awaited dream? Only time will tell!