Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have started their preparations for IPL 2025, with the tournament schedule yet to be announced. The franchise, still chasing their elusive maiden IPL title, is looking to make a fresh start with a revamped squad.
Despite boasting legends like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers in past lineups, RCB has consistently faltered in critical knockout matches. The IPL 2025 mega auction provided an opportunity to rebuild, but RCB’s decisions raised eyebrows. They chose not to retain key players Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell using RTM cards but secured Krunal Pandya for INR 5.75 crores. The strategy was met with criticism, though the management stood by their choices.
Three months ahead of the season, RCB began their pre-season camp on December 9 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Players like Krunal Pandya, Rajat Patidar, and several young talents joined the camp. Virat Kohli, currently on an international tour in Australia, missed the session but is expected to return as captain after RCB failed to secure prominent captaincy candidates at the auction.
Among the notable additions, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was signed for INR 10.75 crores. Kumar, who started his IPL journey with RCB in 2009, expressed gratitude to fans and excitement for his “homecoming.” With 181 IPL wickets at an economy of 7.56, his experience could play a pivotal role.
Whether RCB’s early preparations and renewed squad will break their title jinx remains uncertain. However, the pre-season camp has already created a buzz among fans eager to see what 2025 holds for the franchise.
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