Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) BENGALURU: Until June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru carried the tag of the unattainable – a team that had spent the previous 17 seasons chasing the elusive trophy. On a sultry night in Ahmedabad, that story finally shifted. Built less on individual stars and more on collective performances, RCB shed their longstanding baggage and took the monkey off their back.When they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday night, they will do so with a title to defend, a reputation to protect and recalibrated expectations. Against fellow southerners Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB begin their campaign as defending champions – a feat only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have managed to successfully defend their title.
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RCB’s big changes ahead of IPL: New rules, tribute and squad updateAlthough there is a long season ahead, a strong start will be crucial. Chinnaswamy has not always been a fortress for RCB and against an SRH side full of explosive batters, the challenge is immediate.On paper, the two teams are strikingly similar. Both boast formidable batting units, both are without their premier Australian quicks and will rely on a mix of experienced Indian names and promising youngsters. The conditions only add to the intrigue. The last completed IPL match at this venue last season — RCB’s clash with CSK — saw a staggering 424 runs scored, with the hosts defending 215 for just two runs. If the surface stays true to its batting-friendly reputation, bowlers from both sides could be in for a long evening.RCB have largely retained the core that brought them their first title, using a mini-auction to fill specific gaps. The additions of Venkatesh Iyer and England’s Jordan Cox bring flexibility, while young Indian recruits like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra add depth and promise for the future.Their batting remains their biggest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt expected to set the tone at the top, Jacob Bethell’s recent form adds another dynamic layer. The middle order is full of experience and firepower in Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer. In fact, the team management faces the enviable headache of narrowing down a balanced playing eleven.However, the absence of Josh Hazlewood – their most impressive bowler last season – could be a significant setback. The Australian pacer, who was still coming back amid injury concerns, only joined the team on Thursday and will sit out the match. His absence puts the onus on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack, especially in conditions that traditionally offer little margin for error. RCB are also without Sri Lankan quick Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to undergo a fitness test in his home country. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could make his IPL debut. He is expected to feature in an otherwise Indian bowling unit, with youngsters Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar pushing for inclusion. The spin department featuring Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will also play a key role in controlling the middle overs.Meanwhile, SRH look as formidable as the bat. Led by Ishan Kishan, they have a destructive lineup that includes Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy. However, their bowling looks rather undercooked in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, although they can use the experience of Harshal Patel, Brydon Cars and Jaydev Unadkat.Outside of the competition on the field, it will be a grim homecoming for RCB. The players will wear black armbands in memory of the 11 lives lost in the stampede during last year’s title celebrations – a tragedy that continues to cast a shadow over the team and the venue.
