The Royal Challengers Bengaluru is one of the most popular franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the team has been a part of the IPL since its inception in 2008. Known for its vibrant red and black jersey, RCB is renowned for its fanbase and high-profile players.
Information
- Home Ground: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Owner: United Spirits Limited
- Captain (2025): Virat Kohli
- Coach: Sanjay Bangar
Achievements
Although RCB has not won an IPL title yet, the team has reached the finals three times (2009, 2011, and 2016). The franchise is recognized for its strong batting lineups over the years, featuring legends like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli.
Final Appearances
- 2009: Lost to Deccan Chargers
- 2011: Lost to Chennai Super Kings
- 2016: Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad
RCB holds the record for the highest team total in IPL history, scoring 263/5 in 2013.
Notable Players (2025 Squad)
RCB boasts a mix of Indian talent and international stars. Some notable names include:
- Virat Kohli – Iconic batter and former captain.
- Glenn Maxwell – Aggressive all-rounder.
- Josh Hazlewood – Premier fast bowler.
- Phil Salt – Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter from England.
RCB’s Strengths and Challenges
- Strengths:
- Strong top-order batting led by Virat Kohli.
- Talented all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Krunal Pandya.
- Challenges:
- Death bowling has historically been a weak area.
- The team has faced criticism for underperforming despite having star-studded lineups.
Here is the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad for IPL 2025:
| Player Name | Role | Country | Jersey Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Right-hand Batter | India | 18 |
| Rajat Patidar | Right-hand Batter | India | 5 |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Left-hand Batter | India | 19 |
| Phil Salt | Wicketkeeper (RHB) | England | Not Announced |
| Jitesh Sharma | Wicketkeeper (RHB) | India | 21 |
| Liam Livingstone | All-rounder (RHB, Spin) | England | Not Announced |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | India | 36 |
| Tim David | All-rounder | Australia | 42 |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | West Indies | Not Announced |
| Swastik Chikara | All-rounder (RHB, ROS) | India | 63 |
| Manoj Bhandage | All-rounder | India | 28 |
| Abhinandan Singh | All-rounder (RHB, RMF) | India | 12 |
| Mohit Rathee | All-rounder (RHB, RLS) | India | Not Announced |
| Jacob Bethell | All-rounder | England | 82 |
| Suyash Sharma | Spin Bowler (Leg Spin) | India | Not Announced |
| Swapnil Singh | Spinner | India | 24 |
| Yash Dayal | Right-arm Fast Bowler | India | Not Announced |
| Rasikh Dar | Right-arm Fast Bowler | India | 44 |
| Josh Hazlewood | Right-arm Fast Bowler | Australia | 38 |
| Lungisani Ngidi | Right-arm Fast Bowler | South Africa | Not Announced |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Right-arm Bowler | India | 15 |
| Nuwan Thushara | Right-arm Fast Bowler | Sri Lanka | 53 |
Fanbase and Cultural Impact
RCB’s loyal supporters, called RCBians, are among the most passionate in the IPL. Their chants and support make the Chinnaswamy Stadium one of the loudest venues. The franchise also engages fans with digital campaigns and merchandise.
Despite the lack of trophies, RCB remains synonymous with entertaining cricket and iconic players. Fans continue to hope that the elusive IPL title will soon be theirs.
