BENGALURU: Till June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru carry the tag of underachievers – a team that has spent the last 17 seasons chasing the coveted trophy. On a restless night in Ahmedabad, that narrative finally changed. Less on individual stardom and more on collective performances, RCB shed their long-standing baggage and let the monkey off their back.When they return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday evening, they do so with a title to defend, a reputation to protect and expectations reset. Against fellow southerners Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB began their campaign as defending champions – a feat only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians managed to follow up with successful title defences.
Although it is a long season, a strong start will be important. Chinnaswamy hasn’t always been a bulwark for RCB, and against SRH loaded with explosive batsmen, the challenge is immediate.On paper, the two teams are strikingly similar. Both boast strong batting units, both are without their premier Australian quicks, and will rely on a combination of experienced Indian names and promising youngsters. Circumstances only add to the intrigue. The last full IPL game at the venue last season – RCB’s clash against CSK – scored a staggering 424 runs, with the hosts defending 215 for just two runs. If the surface lives up to its batting-friendly reputation, bowlers from both sides could play for a long evening.RCB have largely retained the core that delivered their first title, using mini-auctions to plug certain gaps. The additions of Venkatesh Iyer and England’s Jordan Cox add flexibility, while young Indian recruits like Mangesh Yadav and Vihan Malhotra add depth and future promise.His batting is his biggest strength. with the Virat Kohli And Phil Salt was expected to take the lead, with the recent form of Jacob Bethel adding another dynamic layer. The middle order is loaded with experience and strength in Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer. Team management faces the enviable headache of narrowing down a truly balanced playing XI.However, the absence of Josh Hazlewood – their most influential bowler last season – could be a major setback. The Australian pacer, still working his way back from injury concerns, only rejoined the squad 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 pacer Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to clear the fitness test in his country. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy may be given his IPL debut. He is expected to join an otherwise India-heavy bowling unit, pushing for the inclusion of youngsters Mangesh Yadav and Rashikh Dar. The spin department, which includes Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, will also play a key role in controlling the middle overs.SRH, meanwhile, look equally strong with the bat. Led by Ishan Kishan, they have a devastating line-up that includes Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Henrik Klaasen and Nitish Reddy. However, in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, their bowling looks relatively unripe, although they could benefit from the experience of Harshal Patel, Brayden Carus and Jaydev Unaddict.Away from the competition on the field, it will be a scary homecoming for RCB. 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 venue.
