Virat Kohli And Salt To Open, No Tim David; RCB's Probable Batting Order For IPL 2025

RCB's best batting lineup for IPL 2025 [Source: @iplt20.com]

The Champions Trophy is done and dusted and the focus now has shifted towards the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) as ten teams will fight it out for the coveted title. One team who had an interesting mega auction was the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) who, instead of going for big names went for big match players.

The team will take on the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their tournament opener and will have a tough journey as the IPL progresses. The RCB batting unit looks strong and in this article, we decode who all will form RCB's top 7 in the batting department.

Kohli and Salt to open for RCB 

Kohli and Salt IPL stats

This is a no brainer as Phil Salt and Virat Kohli will most likely form the dream opening partnership for the Royal Challengers. RCB spent 11.50 crore on buying the Englishman and he will have the responsibility to be the aggressor and fulfil the role which Chris Gayle did for the franchise. The opener had a terrific IPL 2024 season for KKR and is expected to do well for RCB on a flat Chinnaswamy surface.

Kohli's IPL prowess is known to everyone as he has the most runs in the league and the most number of centuries as well. He relishes opening the batting and this is where he can maximise his potential as a T20 batter.

No Tim David? Comeback man to play

Rajat Patidar, the newly appointed RCB skipper will bat at number 3. He is an excellent player of spin bowling and could be the one to destroy spin bowling in the middle overs. Patidar's role becomes crucial since he is RCB's best player of spin bowling and needs to deliver the goods.

(Patidar runs Vs spinners in IPL)

Now, in this lineup, there is no room for Tim David since in the previous article, we mentioned that he can come in as an impact player and could have more contribution in that role. As a result, Devdutt Padikkal could fill in that role. The comeback man for RCB has been average in the IPL, but a homecoming could turn things around as the team needs a left-handed batter in the middle-order, in order to disrupt the bowlers.

Livingstone at 5, Krunal to finish things off?

Another Englishman who will play a major role in IPL for RCB is the all-rounder, Liam Livingstone. He can easily chip in with 2-3 overs with his leg break and on flat Chinnaswamy wickets, can be the most dangerous hitter of the team.

His ongoing form is a bit of concern, but his IPL strike-rate will give RCB some ray of hope.

(Livingstone strike-rate in IPL)

Another new signing, Jitesh Sharma is likely to bat at number 6. The former Punjab Kings batter showed his glimpses in the league previously, but will be batting at his preferred number 6 position.

LSG all-rounder, Krunal Pandya was also roped in by the franchise and he could be the man to play as a finisher at number 7. In previous seasons, RCB lacked firepower at number 7, but with Krunal's arrival, that issue could be solved.

RCB's probable batting order

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya

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