3 players who can captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, held on November 24-25 in Jeddah, featured 577 players up for grabs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made significant moves, securing 22 players over two days.

RCB’s strategic buys in the IPL 2025 mega auction

Among their notable acquisitions were England all-rounder Liam Livingstone and Australian stars Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. Leading up to the auction, RCB had retained Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, while opting to part ways with players like Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell and former captain Faf du Plessis.

To replace these key figures, RCB brought in impactful players such as Phil Salt, Livingstone, and David. This move strengthened their squad significantly, giving them one of the most formidable new-ball attacks in Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, with Dayal as a capable backup. The middle order looks explosive with Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Jacob Bethell and Romario Shepherd, all of whom can fulfill multiple roles.

IPL 2025: 3 players who can captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

While RCB has built a lineup full of power and versatility, a major question looms: who will captain the side? This uncertainty is critical as RCB seeks to build on this promising roster and finally achieve their elusive maiden title, a feat that has eluded them for 17 seasons. The choice of captain will play a vital role in leading this team, which is poised to be one of the most dangerous in the upcoming IPL season.

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The seasoned leader

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one of India’s most reliable fast bowlers, was signed by RCB for INR 10.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. Known for his exceptional accuracy, mastery in the death overs, and ability to swing the ball both ways, Bhuvneshwar brings immense value to any team.

Leadership Credentials: Bhuvneshwar’s leadership experience is notable, having captained Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the past. His calm and composed demeanor under pressure makes him a natural leader. In addition, franchises often prefer Indian players as captains due to their familiarity with local conditions and the fan base’s strong connection with them. Given RCB’s history of searching for a consistent captain, Bhuvneshwar’s experience and reliability could make him an excellent choice to lead the side into IPL 2025 and beyond.

2. Phil Salt: The explosive challenger

Salt, acquired by RCB for INR 11.50 crore, was one of the most expensive and talked-about buys of the auction. Having been part of Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) IPL 2024-winning squad, Salt showcased his explosive batting prowess, scoring at an impressive strike rate of 182.90. His aggressive batting style is reminiscent of RCB legends like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers and he could bring that same flair to the captaincy role.

Recent Leadership Experience: Salt recently led England in a T20I series against Australia, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Although his captaincy sample size is small, his approach to the game and willingness to take charge could be valuable assets for RCB. With his ability to dominate bowlers and a natural leadership aura, Salt could inject a fresh and aggressive mindset into the team as captain.

3. Liam Livingstone: The versatile powerhouse

Liam Livingstone, who was also acquired by RCB in the auction, is another compelling candidate for the captaincy. Known for his powerful hitting and versatility, Livingstone is a player who can change the course of a game in an instant. His recent performances in the West Indies, including a crucial innings in the second match that resulted in his maiden ODI century, highlighted his potential as a match-winner.

Potential as Captain: Livingstone’s ability to lead by example, particularly through high-pressure innings, shows that he can be a formidable captain. He has proven his worth with the bat and could transition that confidence into his leadership style. His experience playing in various T20 leagues around the world adds to his strategic acumen and understanding of the game.

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Potential return as a leader of RCB

Reports indicate that Virat Kohli has expressed interest in returning to a leadership role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2025. Kohli, who captained the franchise from 2013 to 2021, led RCB to the playoffs on four occasions, including the iconic 2016 season. That year, RCB was on the brink of their first-ever IPL title but fell short, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

Kohli stepped down from captaincy after the 2021 season to concentrate on his batting and ensure a peak in his individual performance. Yet, his tenure as captain was marked by impressive highs and enduring loyalty to the team. As the 2025 season approaches, there is renewed speculation and excitement among fans regarding his possible comeback as captain, poised to guide RCB toward breaking their long-standing title drought.