3 Surprise Packages In RCB Squad Who Can Be Match-Winners In IPL 2025

Debashis Sarangi

RCB players in action [Source: IPLT20.com]RCB players in action [Source: IPLT20.com]

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With each passing day, we are inching closer towards the 18th season of the Indian Premier League. The ten participating teams have assembled robust squads by using their budgets in the mega auction last year.

Regarding Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the perennial underachievers retained only three players, releasing the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell ahead of the mega auction. However, they wisely spent their purse amount, adding several match-winners to their squad for the IPL 2025. 

Thus, as RCB have finalised their squad, here are three surprise packages that can emerge as their go-to men in the IPL 2025. 

Swapnil Singh

  • Renowned for his ability to bamboozle the batters with his guile, Swapnil Singh re-joined RCB through the Right To Match (RTM) card in the mega auction last year. 
  • The left-arm spinner was impressive with the ball last season, scalping six wickets at a strike rate of 15. The RCB management trusted his ability to thrive under pressure, as he delivered a few brilliant overs on batting-friendly decks. 
  • The Royal Challengers will likely use Swapnil as their lead spinner with Krunal Pandya. So, if he gets a consistent run, Swapnil can be RCB's match-winner in the IPL 2025. 

Manoj Bhandage

  • Swashbuckling batter Manoj Bhandage hasn't played a single game for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the southpaw has been a regular face in the Maharaja T20 league, where he has made his mark with numerous scintillating knocks. 
  • Although RCB have a formidable top order comprising Virat Kohli, Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar, their finishing department seems slightly vulnerable to spin. 
  • In such a scenario, Bhandage, who can also roll his arm for a few overs, might be preferred for the accelerator's role at some point in the tournament. Thus, if he gets a few games, Bhandage can grab the limelight as a power-hitter in the IPL 2025. 

Rasikh Dar

  • India's promising pacer Rasikh Dar has evolved leaps and bounds as a prolific bowler in the middle and death overs. Apart from troubling the batters with his accuracy and movement, Rasikh can outfox his opponents with well-disguised slow balls. 
  • He was magnificent for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025, scalping eight wickets, including two three-wicket hauls at a strike rate of 16.33. 
  • RCB have two fantastic new ball bowlers- Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Thus, Rasikh, who has several variations in his armour, can be their most perfect third pacer on Bengaluru's batting-friendly deck.