Under the new captaincy, RCB could witness a revival from three players. One may rebuild confidence as a key batter, another aims to reclaim form after a challenging season, and the third could utilize his raw pace and wicket-taking ability, benefiting from tailored strategies for maximum impact in critical moments.
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma, the INR 11 crore acquisition from the IPL auction, finds himself at a crucial point in his career. The weight of such a price tag can be overwhelming, something Rajat Patidar, now captain and similarly priced, understands. After a forgettable IPL 2024 with Punjab Kings, where Sharma managed only 187 runs in 14 matches, the move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru presents him with a fresh start.
Under Patidar’s leadership, Sharma could receive the mentorship and environment needed to regain his confidence. Patidar’s calm and strategic approach might be the perfect catalyst for Sharma to overcome last season’s setbacks. This new chapter could see Sharma’s aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping becoming key assets in RCB’s high-pressure games, marking a potential redemption story.
Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal’s return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru feels like a homecoming with purpose. After a less-than-impressive season with Lucknow Super Giants, where he scored just 38 runs in seven matches, Padikkal has a chance to rediscover his best form at RCB.
Padikkal’s past record at RCB speaks for itself—884 runs in 29 innings with a solid strike rate, including six half-centuries and a century. This return is about more than nostalgia; it’s an opportunity to prove that his initial success wasn’t a one-off but a true reflection of his talent.
Under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, Padikkal might find the perfect balance of freedom and structure to showcase his batting skills. This could be the season where Padikkal regains his form and becomes a key player in RCB’s batting lineup, possibly opening or batting in the top order to set or chase challenging totals.
Rasikh Dar
Rasikh Dar’s transfer from Delhi Capitals to Royal Challengers Bengaluru brings a fresh and exciting dynamic to their bowling attack. Dar’s strong performance in the 2024 IPL, where he consistently took key wickets, positions him as a bowler with great potential under Patidar’s captaincy.
Known for his raw pace and variations, Dar could provide the firepower RCB needs, especially in the powerplay and death overs. Patidar’s keen understanding of the game, built from his domestic cricket experience, might be the perfect platform for Dar to unlock his full potential.
With tailored strategies to maximize his impact, particularly in critical game phases like breaking partnerships or finishing innings, Dar’s shift to RCB could be the turning point in his career. This move could elevate him to one of the league’s most promising young bowlers, ready to make a significant impact with his wicket-taking skills.
