IPL 2025: 3 Openers That RCB Will Target To Pair With Virat Kohli

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli for RCB [Source: @TahaaAftab/x.com]KL Rahul and Virat Kohli for RCB [Source: @TahaaAftab/x.com]

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have kept their options open and budget flexible to go all-out in the IPL 2025 mega auction. They have retained only three players from their previous squad and expect to build a winning outfit during the auction.

One of the biggest surprises during RCB's auction was the release of Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli's skipper and opening partner. The departure of Du Plessis means that RCB will be hunting for a designated T20 opening batter during the auction. 

What Will RCB Look For In Their Opener?

RCB have generally looked to make their top order heavy in batting. Keeping the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium’s pitch in mind, they try to have firepower up top to get a powerful start to their innings. Also, RCB consciously concentrate on strengthening their brand by recruiting star batters. So, keeping these facts in mind, here are three openers that RCB will look to buy in the mega auction. 

3. Jos Buttler

Why Will RCB Target Jos Buttler? 

Despite his current status, Jos Buttler is one of the best players in T20 cricket. The English keeper batter is known for his big-hitting abilities, and his game will be a perfect match for the RCB template. Buttler can keep the scoring rate up from one end and take the pressure off Virat Kohli, allowing him ample time to settle down and approach his innings on his own during the tournament. One biggest plus for Buttler is the fact that he has experience as a captain in the T20 format and hence fill in the shoes of Faf du Plessis.

2. Quinton de Kock

Why Will RCB Target Quinton de Kock? 

The South African batter is one of the most-known names in league cricket at present. Quinton de Kock has shown great consistency over the years, along with his big-hitting abilities. De Kock has also played for RCB previously, making him aware of how the team operates. Besides, with de Kock and Kohli they will get the right-hand and left-hand combination at the top of the order.

1. KL Rahul

Why Will RCB Target KL Rahul? 

One of the biggest Indian names that will go under the hammer during the IPL 2025 mega auction will be KL Rahul. RCB might look to bring back their old recruit as, being a local boy, he will have an idea of the Chinnaswamy track and can adjust his game accordingly. Rahul can also take on the captaincy role of the team. The fact that Virat and KL have formed some good partnerships in the international arena and have a good understanding between them might also induce the management to think of purchasing him.

Conclusion

Brand value and big-hitting ability are the two things that RCB will concentrate on the most while recruiting an opening partner for Virat Kohli. Considering their recruitment pattern, one might think that the chances of RCB going hard after KL are high. However, it will be interesting to see if they surprise the experts and come up with a new strategy during the IPL 2025 mega auction.