Top three masterstrokes by RCB this season (Photo Source – BCCI)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoff race is slowly coming to an end, with three out of the four teams qualifying on Sunday, May 18. One of the teams that has impressed everyone this year is the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have had one of their best seasons this year and are among the favourites to win the title.
There have been plenty of match-winning performances from the Bengaluru franchise players, keeping the title dream alive this season. Let us analyse the biggest factors which have helped them succeed.
Here are the three masterstrokes that have got RCB into the playoffs:
3. Buying Tim David and Jitesh Sharma in the mega auction
Though batting has not really been a weak point for RCB over the years, they have, however, been missing that one player who could play the role of a finisher. The Bengaluru franchise did not get hold of one but two in the mega auction where they managed to steal Tim David for INR 3 crore and bought Vidarbha star wicket-keeper batter Jitesh Sharma for INR 11 crore in the mega auction.
These two deals have turned out to be a blessing for the franchise since Jitesh has not only scored 128 runs at a strike rate of 142.22 but has also been dependable behind the stumps. Speaking of David’s contribution, he has scored 186 runs at an average of 93.00 and has a phenomenal strike rate of 193.75.
2. Backing Indian players
There is no doubt that RCB have been known to have included some big-name international players, but apart from the legendary Virat Kohli they have been known to back more foreigners than local players in their team. This has been one of the rare seasons when they have put a lot of trust in the Indian players, who have contributed considerably to the side.
Apart from backing Rajat Patidar as the new skipper, the likes of Krunal Pandya, Devdutt Padikkal and Yash Dayal have also got a chance to prove themselves during the crucial stages. This has been one of the major changes the side has brought in the tournament, which seems to be making a major impact as well.
1. Backing the experience of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood in crucial overs
While batting has not been much of a major issue for RCB before, the same could not have been said about the bowling department. There were seasons where the major reason behind RCB’s struggles was their bowling, which failed to close out games. However, this season has seen a major change as the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have used all their experience to not only take crucial wickets in the powerplay but also contain the batters at the death.
Speaking of Josh Hazlewood, he has been the highest wicket-taker for the franchise taking 18 wickets at an average of 17.27 and has an economy of 8.44. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also made useful contributions taking 12 wickets at an average of 28.25 and has an economy of 8.92.