3 Worrying signs for RCB [Source: AP Photos]
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is just around the corner and the buzz has already started with nearly 2 months left for the tournament. Ten strong teams will fight it out for the coveted teams and one of the title contenders this season will be the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The team management built a strong squad for the upcoming season, however, that could all be gone as the players are not performing and injuries have also taken a toll with just a few months left for the competition.
In this article, we'll talk about 3 worrying signs for RCB ahead of the IPL 2025 season.
3) Out of form English players
Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell, all the star-studded English signings have looked out of sorts in the ongoing T20I series Vs India.
Phil Salt, who is likely to open with Virat Kohli struggled for runs in the first two T20Is, and Livingstone followed a similar path as the all-rounder couldn't rack up big totals for his side. The worrying sign is their inability to play the spinners, something which the other IPL teams will look to exploit when the season commences.
2) Struggling Virat Kohli
Another major cause of concern for RCB has been the form of their star player, Virat Kohli. He had a torrid time in 2024 and was shambolic in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy Vs Australia.
The RCB opener is now back in the domestic circuit as he prepares for the upcoming challenges. However, heading into IPL 2025, RCB cannot have two out of form players opening together and this will be a headache for the team.
1) Injury to Josh Hazlewood
RCB spent a hefty amount of money to buy Australian pacer, Josh Hazlewood, however, in the Test series vs India, he suffered a calf injury and was ruled out of the last two Tests. The pacer is likely to miss the Test series Vs Sri Lanka and now doubts have creeped on his participation in the IPL 2025.
Hazlewood was expected to lead their bowling attack and now his injury has disrupted their plans for next season.