Royal Challengers Bengaluru are one of the most popular teams in the IPL, but are yet to win a trophy. They are doing quite well in IPL 2025 though, and have won six matches out of their first nine. It has put them in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs, and behind it, are some of the key decisions they made before and during IPL 2025 auction.
Here are some of those decisions that are proving to be masterstrokes -
1. Release Of Glenn Maxwell Ahead Of IPL 2025 Auction
Glenn Maxwell is one of the most high-profile names in the world of cricket. He has the ability to change the complexion of the game with his innovative batting, but has not lived up to the billing in IPL over the years.
Still, Maxwell was a key player for RCB, and releasing a player of his calibre is a tough decision. The RCB management made that decision though, and it is turning out to be a masterstroke as Maxwell is struggling to get runs for Punjab Kings while his replacement in the RCB, Tim David, has played many impactful knocks.
Glenn Maxwell's Performance In IPL 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
6
Runs
48
Average
8
Strike-Rate
97.96
In six innings of IPL 2025, Maxwell has managed just 48 runs while Tim David has scored 165 runs with a stunning average of 82.50 and strike-rate of 187.50. David has hit runs under pressure, and by not retaining Maxwell who scored just 52 runs in nine innings in IPL 2024, RCB took a smart decision.
2. Selection Based On Specific Roles
A key change in RCB's strategy this year is that they selected players keeping in mind their exact role in the team. It is something that has been missing in RCB's planning over the years, and their team used to be heavily dependent on few players. In the last cycle, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis scored the bulk of the runs for RCB, while Maxwell was impressive in the 2023 and 2022 seasons.
However, apart from these three, and Dinesh Karthik occasionally, no other batter impressed while the story has been different in IPL 2025. Phil Salt has been given the role of aggressor at the top while Devdutt Padikkal has also played a similar role. The duo of Tim David and Jitesh Sharma have done finishing work with good effect, while Krunal Pandya has played a key role with his left-arm spin.
They have pacers who can be utilised for different match-ups, and their death-bowling has also been better compared to the past years.
3. Adding Experience To Pace Department
RCB have also made sure this season that they have an experienced pace attack at their disposal. The addition of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood alongside Yash Dayal has added more depth and stability to their pace attack, and it has proved decisive in many close games.
Josh Hazlewood In IPL 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
9
Wickets
16
Economy Rate
8.38
Strike-Rate
12
Bhuvneshwar Kumar In IPL 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
8
Wickets
9
Economy Rate
8.37
Strike-Rate
20
In IPL 2024, Mohammed Siraj struggled for RCB big time, and Yash Dayal was the only pacer who delivered for them. This time the captain, Rajat Patidar, has more options at his disposal. Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood have won them games with crucial overs under pressure. Thus, RCB look a more well-polished team in IPL 2025.
RCB unit in IPL (Source: AP Photos)
 "Aashay Chopade")
