SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2025

It has been seventeen IPL seasons, yet Royal Challengers Bangalore are still searching for their elusive Indian Premier League trophy. Despite this, RCB remains one of the few franchises that every fan looks forward to watching, thanks to their star-studded lineups and entertaining brand of cricket. Along with all the love, RCB have also been on the receiving end of the relentless trolling for being unable to win the trophy. Virat Kohli himself has texted AB de Villiers not to chant ‘‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’ and one could imagine why! 

Despite all the talk, you will see the ‘King’, once again, giving his 100 percent and would be hoping that the entire team contributes and not just him. In this article, we will look into the overall squad of RCB for this season and do a SWOT analysis. 

SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2025: 

Strength: A batting unit that doesn’t depend on a handful of stars 

RCB’s batting unit for this season doesn’t depend on a handful of stars. It’s a powerful batting line-up that ensures excellent depth and firepower. For the starters, they have Phil Salt and Virat Kohli as openers, followed by Rajat Patidar at three. 

RCB have ensured that they have a solid middle order, comprising Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya. The depth in their batting ensures that RCB can consistently post big totals and be able to chase them down if required.  

Weakness: Inexperienced spin attack

RCB have recruited two experienced pacers, namely Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who will get the work done in the powerplay and at the death. However, the inexperience in the spin attack for the middle-order might come to haunt them. Krunal Pandya isn’t something they would look at as a wicket-taking option in pressure situations. The responsibility would thus fall on the shoulders of Suyash Sharma to break partnerships and put the opposition under pressure. 

Opportunities: Stage set for Suyash and Bethell 

Suyash Sharma didn’t get a lot of opportunities last season but is likely to play all the games for RCB this season. If he gets a good start, this could be a breakout season for the 21-year-old. It will be an ideal opportunity for him to make a name for himself. Along with him, young England cricketer Jacob Bethell will also be in the spotlight. He can smack the ball long, is a gun fielder, and can chip in two or three overs of spin. 

Threat: Injury to fast bowlers 

One must keep in mind that Josh Hazelwood is coming back from an injury. It makes it unlikely that he will be playing all the games for Royal Challengers Bangalore. They have Nuwan Thusara as a backup option, but he doesn't pose the same level of threat as the Australian. Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar isn’t getting any younger and RCB will be hoping that he remains fit throughout the season.