No Kohli, Salt on cloud nine - Decoding RCB's squad's performance since IPL 2025

Virat Kohli and RCB - (Source: AFP)

It has been five months since IPL 2025, and the teams are preparing their final list ahead of the retention deadline. Reportedly, November 15 is the last date to submit their retention list, which is why the franchises are working round the clock. 

This article will focus on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who lifted the trophy for the first time in 18 years. They had a great squad, but since it has been five months since the league, this article will look at how the players have performed since then. 

Batters And Keepers

Batters list - Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Swastik Chhikara, Tim Seifert, Mayank Agarwal, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal 

Let's look at their performance post-IPL in T20 format

Key Takeaways

• Phil Salt and Devdutt Padikkal, two of the most important batters in their unit are in top form as they average 40+ and are the only two batters to do so since IPL 2025. Another positive for the Challengers is that their Indian talent like Swastik Chikkara, who failed to get a single match in IPL 2025, is doing good and scored 370 runs in UP T20 league.
• The problem for RCB is that Tim Seifert, who came in as their replacement player is in fine form and has amassed 822 runs in 25 innings post IPL. However, he won't be a part of RCB's squad and will have to go the auction in December.
• Another trouble for the Challengers is that their premium batters have either not played T20 cricket post IPL or are out of form. The likes of Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar have not played a solitary game, whereas Jacob Bethell is out of form and has amassed just 222 runs in 12 innings.

All-Rounders

All-rounders list - Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shephard, Manoj Bhandage

Let's look at their performance post-IPL in T20 format

Key takeaways

• One of the relieves for RCB is that Liam Livingstone, who was their sole weak link from the 2025 winning team, is actually doing good and averaged 52 with the bat in T20 blast. Livingstone also was among the wickets and has picked up 6 wickets. 
• Tim David was one of the key reasons why RCB lifted their maiden IPL trophy in 2025. The good news for the Rajat Patidar-led side is that he has carried that form post IPL and has scored 593 runs in 19 innings. Further,  Romario Shephard is doing well and has scored 473 runs and taken 32 wickets.
• Similar to the batters, Indian talents lack game time post IPL as Krunal Pandya has not played a single match, while the likes of Swapnil Singh, and Manoj Bhandage are also struggling.

Bowlers

Bowlers list - Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Mohi Rathee, Yash Dayal

Key takeaways

• Premium bowlers in top form - Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who were the backbone of RCB's bowling, are doing well post tournament and have picked up 21 wickets combined and have kept the strike-rate below 15.
• However, RCB are struggling with Indian bowlers performance expect Bhuvi. Suyash Sharma is struggling and took just 9 wickets in DPL, whereas Yash Dayal, and Rasikh Dar has not played a solitary game since IPL.

Conclusion

There is nothing much to worry for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as their batters are in top-form and so is their all-rounders. However, the issue is with the bowling, but RCB is struggling to get a great spinner as Suyash Sharma is struggling for form and Krunal Pandya has not played a solitary match since IPL 2025.

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