Why is Jacob Bethell not playing KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 match? Check RCB playing 11

The big news update is that the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have not included their premier overseas talent, Jacob Bethell, in the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Even after a poor start to their IPL 2024 campaign, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru still managed to make it to the playoffs. However, RCB are still searching for their maiden IPL title and this 18th edition of the T20 competition can be the perfect opportunity for them to achieve glory. 

Why is Jacob Bethell not playing today's KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 game?

Things started off on an impressive note for the newly appointed Royal Challengers Banglaore captain Rajat Patidar in this IPL 2025 as he won the crucial toss and decided to bowl first on a pretty flat looking pitch at the Eden Gardens on Saturday. It was also revealed that England's youngster Jacob Bethell is not part of the RCB playing XI for this tournament opener against Kolkata Knight Riders. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru procured the English all-rounder at an amount worth INR 2.60 Crore during the IPL 2025 auction. 

However, it is still not certain whether Jacob Bethell was fully fit and available for this KKR vs RCB IPL 2025 match because he missed the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025 for England due to a hamstring injury. This can also be a tactical decision as the RCB playing XI includes hard-hitting batter Tim David who has the experience of finishing matches as seen during the last few years in IPL. RCB are playing with the likes of Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Tim David and Josh Hazlewood as their four overseas cricketers. 

"We have decided to bowl first, the pitch looks hard. Amazing to lead RCB and great opportunity to learn from the great players. We have done proper preparations for the last 10-15 days. I am confused with this impact player. We are going with 3 fast bowlers and 2 spinners," stated RCB captain Rajat Patidar at the toss. 

RCB Playing XI

Virat Kohli, Philip Salt(w), Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar Salam, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Impact Subs: Devdutt Padikkal, Abhinandan Singh, Manoj Bhandage, Romario Shepherd, Swapnil Singh

RCB IPL 2025 Squad

Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chikara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh.