Royal Challengers Bengaluru will enter the new IPL season with confidence after lifting their maiden title last year, and will now be eager to defend it.RCB will kick off their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, setting the stage for a high-voltage start to the season. With IPL fever building across the country, fans are eagerly awaiting the opening clash in Bengaluru.
The return of Virat Kohli has once again sparked excitement among fans, especially in Bengaluru. Kohli remains RCB’s all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL and continues to be the backbone of the side.
With the inclusion of Venkatesh Iyer, their top order looks stronger. Skipper Rajat Patidar, along with finishers Tim David and Romario Shepherd, will play crucial roles, while experienced bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya will lead the attack.
RCB Squad:Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal.
Injury Update:Josh Hazlewood is doubtful for the early part of the tournament due to an Achilles/hamstring concern, having also missed the recent T20 World Cup.
Probable Playing XI:Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Jacob Duffy.
Impact Player :Suyash Sharma / Jacob Bethell / Swapnil Singh.
The franchise will return to their home ground after the controversies surrounding last season and after ending their long wait for a title, RCB have retained a strong core and will look to build on last season’s success. Fans will once again rally behind the team with their iconic chant, “Ee Sala Cup Namde,” and RCB-RCB in chinnaswamy hoping for another trophy in the cabinet.