Royal Challengers Bengaluru Strongest Playing XI for 2025[Explained]

 

                Image Credit: Sportskeeda

Based on the latest squad acquisitions and player performances, here's a projected strongest playing XI for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL):

1)Virat Kohli (C) – Seasoned batsman and leader, anchoring the top order.

2)Phil Salt (WK) – Aggressive opener and proficient wicketkeeper.

3)Rajat Patidar – Reliable top-order batsman with consistent performances.

4)Liam Livingstone – Dynamic middle-order batsman and versatile spin option.

5)Tim David – Powerful finisher, adding depth to the batting lineup.

6)Krunal Pandya – All-rounder contributing with both bat and left-arm spin.

7)Jitesh Sharma – Explosive lower-order batsman and backup wicketkeeper.

8)Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Experienced pacer, leading the bowling attack with swing and accuracy.

9)Josh Hazlewood – Dependable fast bowler, offering pace and bounce.

10)Yash Dayal – Promising left-arm seamer, adding variety to the pace department.

11)Suyash Sharma – Talented leg-spinner, enhancing the spin attack.

Impact Player

12)Rasikh Dar(Bowl)/Mohit Chikara(Bat) – They can be used by the team according to the situation. Both have performed well in the domestic cricket and impressed the team management.

Virat Kohli Vs Sam Konstas: The Test Match Controversy

 

               Image Credit: NDTV Sports

December 27, 2024: In the high-stakes world of Test Cricket, where every run and wicket carries immense significance, emotions can often run high. However, some encounters escalate to the point where they leave a lasting imprint on the sport's narrative. One such incident occured during the on going test series between Australia and India.

The controversy arose during a charged moment in the match when Khoki made direct physical contact with Konstas by shoulder-bumping him. The incident overshadowed an otherwise stellar debut for the 19-year-old Australian Batsman, who impressed with a fearless knock of 60. Konstas notably took on India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 34 runs off him, including two sixes. Interestingly, this is the first time in test cricket when Bumrah was hit for six.

The ICC penalized Kohli with a fine equivalent to 20% of his match fee and added one demerit point to his disciplinary record. However, many cricket fans and experts are seeing this incident as a disrespect to the spirit of cricket shown by a senior player. Moreover, some fans are requesting the ICC to ban Kohli for the test series for his aggressive behaviour.