Phil Salt To Open With Kohli; Hazlewood In? RCB's Probable XI vs KKR

Rajgeeta Yadav

RCB's Probable XI against KKR [Source: AP Photos]RCB's Probable XI against KKR [Source: AP Photos]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to restart after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the updated schedule following the suspension of IPL 2025. The tournament will resume on Saturday, May 17, with a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

So, ahead of the thrilling clash, let’s take a look at the RCB’s probable playing XI

RCB's Playing XI In Last IPL Match vs CSK

 Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal

RCB 's Expected Changes 

Due to the suspension, several overseas players went back home, and some decided not to rejoin their teams. However, there’s good news for RCB.

Phil Salt To Replace Jacob Bethell

In their previous match, Jacob Bethell replaced Phil Salt, who was down with a fever. Now that Salt has recovered, he has rejoined the RCB camp and was seen practicing in the nets on Thursday. As a result, it’s expected that Salt will replace Bethell and open the innings with Virat Kohli. 

Mat
9
Inns9
Runs239
HS65
Ave26.55
SR168.3
50s2

Salt’s aggressive starts and his ability to dominate the Powerplay overs have been crucial for RCB’s success. So far, he has scored 239 runs in 9 innings.

Rajat Patidar Back In Action 

There was uncertainty regarding RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s availability due to a finger injury sustained during the game against CSK on May 3. Fortunately, he has made a full recovery and resumed training. Patidar’s solid form, scoring 239 runs in 10 innings with a strike rate of 140.58, will be crucial in RCB’s batting lineup.

Devdutt Padikkal, who usually bats at No. 3, is out for the rest of the IPL due to a hamstring injury. To fill the gap, RCB brought in Mayank Agarwal, who is primarily an opener. If RCB loses an early wicket, Agarwal might come in as an impact player. However, if the openers perform well, Rajat Patidar is likely to promote himself to No. 3.

Meanwhile, West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd has rejoined the RCB camp after returning to India, strengthening the lower-middle order and offering bowling depth.

Josh Hazelwood To Return?

According to ESPN, Josh Hazlewood is likely to replace Lungi Ngidi in the playing XI, as the star player is reportedly fit. However, if Hazlewood is unavailable, Lungi Ngidi is expected to retain his spot.

Initially sidelined due to a shoulder issue, Hazlewood has made a quick recovery and could make a big impact for RCB, given his 18 wickets in 10 matches this season, placing him third among the top wicket-takers. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable XI vs KKR: 

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma(wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazelwood/Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara

Impact Player: Mayank Agarwal