RCB https://www.cricketwinner.com RCB Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:01:30 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html https://github.com/jpmonette/feed en Copyright © 2024 Cricket Winner. All Rights Reserved. <![CDATA[Former Proteas great hints at a potential return to competitive cricket]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/former-proteas-great-hints-at-a-potential-return-to-competitive-cricket/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/former-proteas-great-hints-at-a-potential-return-to-competitive-cricket/ Wed, 22 Jan 2025 10:18:19 GMT

In a surprising turn of events, the former South African batting legend AB de Villiers wants to rewind the clock and rediscover his passion for cricket. The batting maestro also expresses his desire to return to competitive cricket. However, de Villiers wants to refrain from competing in professional leagues such as IPL or SA20 ensuring he does not raise false hopes among his fans.

See also: SA20: SEC vs PC Dream11 Prediction 17th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

So what made de Villiers revisit his cricketing gear?

The 40-year-old has been a part of multiple trips to training sessions with his children of late. It is due to these trips his passion for cricket got re-ignited. AB de Villiers further added that his kids have also been exerting pressure on him to play. The South African batting legend last featured in an international fixture for South Africa in March 2018 and has not played competitive cricket since the IPL 2021 season when he announced retirement from all forms of cricket.

During his conversation with journalist Melinda Farrell on Running Between The Wickets show, the 40-year-old made the massive revelation that he could play cricket someday again.

"I might still play cricket one day. No confirmation whatsoever, but I am starting to feel it. My kids are putting me under a bit of pressure, and I feel like I could go to the nets with them. If I enjoy it, maybe I will walk out and play a little bit of casual cricket somewhere again—nothing professional like the IPL or South African tours."

Is a comeback for AB de Villiers on the cards?

De Villiers has offered keen interest in taking up coaching roles and has dropped hints of a potential association with RCB which has yet to materialise. Being a brand ambassador for the third season of SA20, de Villiers has been away from the grand scheme of things in cricket and reportedly spends quality time with his friends and family. 

While there are growing amount of speculation to suggest that de Villiers could restart his professional cricketing career with RCB, de Villiers himself admits that he does not want to be under that kind of pressure again and wants to pursue the game for fun purposes.

"Nothing serious, though. We’re not talking about RCB and the big stuff. I don’t want to feel that pressure again. That’s the thing. So, wherever I go, I will have a bit of fun."

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<![CDATA[Watch Video: RCB Fan Takes Holy Dip in Ganga Along With Team Jersey]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/videos/watch-video-rcb-fan-takes-holy-dip-in-ganga-along-with-team-jersey/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/videos/watch-video-rcb-fan-takes-holy-dip-in-ganga-along-with-team-jersey/ Tue, 21 Jan 2025 08:33:23 GMT

Recently, the time of Mahakumbh is going on, and in the meanwhile many people are going there to worship. People from all over India go for holy baths in Maha Kumbh.

Also Read: Cricket Politics? BCCI Declines to Display Pakistan's Name on India's Jersey

Meanwhile, a video went viral on the internet, where a man was taking a bath in the Ganga River with RCB Jersey. 

Netizens are also loving it and deeply connecting with the emotions tied to RCB and Virat Kohli.

Here’s the video

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<![CDATA[RCB Setback: Glenn Maxwell’s Explosive Form Sets Stage for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rcb-setback-glenn-maxwell-s-explosive-form-sets-stage-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2025/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rcb-setback-glenn-maxwell-s-explosive-form-sets-stage-for-punjab-kings-in-ipl-2025/ Sun, 19 Jan 2025 11:33:28 GMT

Glenn Maxwell's Blazing Form Keeps Melbourne Stars' Playoff Hopes Alive, Sets IPL 2025 Stage for Punjab Kings

Glenn Maxwell is really proficient at cricket. Mr. Maxwell just played an exceptionally wonderful game in the Big Bash League where his team, the Melbourne Stars, needed to win to keep their chances for the playoffs. Glenn hit a large amount of runs fast, getting 76 without getting out and he only needed 32 balls to do it! Because he played so amazing, his team achieved a very special score of 219/5 vs Hobart Hurricanes.

It was their 40th match. All the fans and even other teams think Glenn is amazing because he can bat and bowl really well that's what being an all-rounder means. Mr. Maxwell helps his team win lots. Nathan Ellis, the captian  of the Hobart Hurricanes team, decided his team would bowl first. The Melbourne Stars batted at the start, and they wanted to score a lot of runs. Glenn Maxwell, who is a top rate cricket player from Australia, was amazing at hitting the ball. Mr. Maxwell hit the ball very hard and it went really far, over the fence, six times!

Also, he hit it to places where no one was there four times. Maxwell has been playing really, really good lately. Mr. Maxwell has scored more than fifty runs three times in a row in these games. When he was to bat now, he was really great again and helped his team achieve a large score. Apart from Maxwell, Beau Webster also chipped in with a valuable 51 runs off 31 balls, ensuring that the Stars posted a good total. The pair put on a partnership that crushed the Hurricanes’ bowling attack, leaving them with a daunting chase.

ALSO READ: Shakib Al Hasan in trouble as an arrest warrant issued against him

Set back for Rcb

The cricket fans are conversing quite a bit about Maxwell today because he's very good at the game. He can hit the ball very hard and knows how to play different styles. RCB, which everyone knows as Royal Challengers Bangalore, didn't keep him for the 2025 season of IPL. It shocked some people because he's wonderful. But then, the Punjab Kings picked him up. They need to have Maxwell on their team because they paid ₹4.20 crore for him at the major IPL 2025 auction.

With his consistent form in the BBL, including scores of 20* (10), 58* (32), 90 (52), and now 76* (32), Maxwell has sent a strong message to RCB and the rest of the IPL franchises. His rapid accumulation of runs, coupled with his ability to finish games, makes him one of the most dangerous players in limited overs cricket. This recent form, along with his IPL experience, will make him a key player for Punjab Kings in the upcoming season.

A Big Gift for the Punjab kings

The Punjab Kings chose Maxwell to join their team for IPL 2025, and he is very good at playing cricket recently. Maxwell comes from Australia and is great because he can hit a lot of runs fast when the team must be victorious. He's going to make the games incredibly fun for Punjab Kings since he's great at batting when everyone is nervous. It appears clearly picking him for the team was a very smart and well thought out idea!

As the BBL 2024-25 continues, all eyes will be on Maxwell to see if his form helps Melbourne Stars secure a playoff spot. With the team needing a win to stay in contention, Maxwell’s match-winning ability could be the difference maker. For Punjab Kings, IPL 2025 just got a whole lot more exciting with Glenn Maxwell in their lineup. Fans can expect to see fireworks as the Australian all-rounder continues to shine in the ipl also.

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<![CDATA[WPL 2025 Schedule and Venues]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wpl-2025-schedule-and-venues/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wpl-2025-schedule-and-venues/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:19:55 GMT

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is back with its third season in 2025 after two successful seasons in 2023 and 2024. This year’s season will start on February 14, 2025, and promises to be exciting with 5 strong teams: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Giants (GG), and UP Warriorz (UPW). Matches will take place in 4 cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Baroda. A total of 22 matches will be played across these venues.

Here is how the matches are divided across the venues:

  • Vadodara (Baroda) will host 6 matches.

  • Bengaluru will host 8 matches.

  • Lucknow will host 4 matches.

  • Mumbai will host 4 matches, including the Eliminator and the Final.

The season opener will take place on February 14 in Baroda, where the Gujarat Giants will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The final will be held in Mumbai on March 15, 2025. Last year, RCB won the WPL 2024 title, while Mumbai Indians were champions in the inaugural season of 2023. Fans are excited to see who will take the trophy this year.

Also Read: Wankhede Stadium at 50: Honoring Ground Staff with a Special Tribute

Detailed Schedule:

Vadodara Leg:

  • 14 February 2025: Gujarat Giants vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

  • 15 February 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals

  • 16 February 2025: Gujarat Giants vs UP Warriorz

  • 17 February 2025: Delhi Capitals vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

  • 18 February 2025: Gujarat Giants vs. Mumbai Indians

  • 19 February 2025: UP Warriorz vs. Delhi Capitals

Bengaluru Leg:

  • 21 February 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Mumbai Indians

  • 22 February 2025: Delhi Capitals vs. UP Warriorz

  • 23 February 2025: Break Day

  • 24 February 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. UP Warriorz

  • 25 February 2025: Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Giants

  • 26 February 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. UP Warriorz

  • 27 February 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Gujarat Giants

  • 28 February 2025: Delhi Capitals vs. Mumbai Indians

  • 1 March 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Delhi Capitals

  • 2 March 2025: Break Day

Lucknow Leg:

  • 3 March 2025: UP Warriorz vs. Gujarat Giants

  • 4 March 2025: Break Day

  • 5 March 2025: Break Day

  • 6 March 2025: UP Warriorz vs. Mumbai Indians

  • 7 March 2025: Gujarat Giants vs. Delhi Capitals

  • 8 March 2025: UP Warriorz vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru

  • 9 March 2025: Break Day

Mumbai Leg:

  • 10 March 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Giants (CCI)

  • 11 March 2025: Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (CCI)

  • 12 March 2025: Break Day

  • 13 March 2025: Eliminator (CCI)

  • 14 March 2025: Break Day

  • 15 March 2025: Final (CCI)

All matches will start at 7:30 PM IST, ensuring prime-time viewing for fans across the country. This season will be thrilling, with each venue hosting continuous matches before moving to the next leg. The Eliminator and Final in Mumbai will add to the excitement as the league comes to an end.

 

 

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<![CDATA[WPL 2025: RCB Signs Charlie Dean to Replace Injured Sophie Molineux]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wpl-2025-rcb-signs-charlie-dean-to-replace-injured-sophie-molineux/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wpl-2025-rcb-signs-charlie-dean-to-replace-injured-sophie-molineux/ Thu, 16 Jan 2025 10:07:18 GMT

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Draft Charlie Dean as Replacement for Injured Sophie Molineux

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which is a cricket team, has a new player from England named Charlie Dean. Miss Dean's going to play instead of Sophie Molineux because Sophie got hurt and can't play. Sophie was clearly an utterly excellent player. Miss Molineux could hit the ball very far and throw it extremely fast. During this single occasion she played 10 games, she scored 78 points and got the other team out 12 times!

Now she can't play, and her team might miss her a lot. But Charlie is coming to help the team, and there might possibly be a connection with how talented she is similar to Sophie. Everyone is excited for the third Women's Premier League in 2025!

Charlie Dean’s inclusion is expected to fill the void left by Molineux. The 23-year-old English cricketer has been a rising star in international cricket, known for her exceptional bowling skills and handy contributions with the bat. Dean’s off-spin bowling has often been a game-changer, making her a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.

ALSO READ: Yo-Yo Test Revival: BCCI Shifts Focus Back to Fitness

RCB’s Outlook for WPL 2025

Our team, RCB, has a major goal for this year's Women's Premier League, which is the third time it's happening. They just told everyone that Charlie Dean is joining the team. People are feeling types of emotions about this news. A lot of fans think Dean will do unfathomably well, but some are sad that Molineux can't play. Still, everyone who loves RCB really hopes the team will achieve big successes even though it's a bit tough without Molineux. The individuals or people who teach the players how to play better and our captain really want to see the team do really well. Dean coming could make our bowling better, because she's a strong player who can handle tough games and play well even when it's hard. The RCB team is looking for a good mix of players and wants to keep it like that.

It's also fun to see all the teams try sharp and informed ideas to have a better chance to win in the league. Dean is positive under stress and can get used to changes when it occurs, which is very helpful for our team, and with Dean around, our bowling might get a major boost. Now it's time to watch Dean when she plays to find out if she can be as amazing in the WPL as she has been in other major games around the world. All the individuals or people who are cheering for RCB are hoping very much that Dean will help the team have an amazing season and maybe achieve a great victory. Even though some fans are unclear, we all want our team on top. The WPL now should be really exciting since all the teams, like RCB, are moments parallel to each other!

Charlie Dean Career Stats

Bowling

FormatMatInnsBallsRunsWktsBBIBBMAveEconSR4w5w10w
WTests3540824974/685/13535.573.6658.2100
WODIs393818441425695/315/3120.654.6326.7610
WT20Is3635726837464/194/1918.196.9115.7200

Batting & Fielding

FormatMatInnsNORunsHSAveBFSR100s50s4s6sCtSt
WTests3614120*8.2011037.27004000
WODIs3924734747*20.4151667.2400270160
WT20Is361241353416.87121111.570012060

 

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<![CDATA[IPL 2025 Schedule: Tournament Set to Start from March 23, Announces BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ipl-2025-schedule-tournament-set-to-start-from-march-23-announces-bcci-vice-president-rajeev-shukla/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/ipl-2025-schedule-tournament-set-to-start-from-march-23-announces-bcci-vice-president-rajeev-shukla/ Sun, 12 Jan 2025 13:00:44 GMT

IPL 2025 to Begin on March 23: BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla Confirms

The Indian Premier League's 18th season is starting on March 23, 2025, and everyone's very happy about it. Cricket fans all over the world are very happy because of the announcement from BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla. They're preparing for more exciting T20 cricket matches.

Key Dates and Schedule

The IPL 2025 is set for March 23 we're getting 74 matches. They're keeping things the same as before so that players don't become overloaded and fans have a lot of enjoyment. After two full months of cricket fun, everything wraps up with the final game on May 25.

Venue and Broadcasting Updates

The league will keep up with its tradition and hold matches in several different cities. This helps bring the major cricket event closer to fans. They're planning to have the tournament in India, and the matches are going to be in famous stadiums in cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Delhi, and some others. Unfortunately, they have not informed us the exact match schedule and where each game will be played, though.

This season's broadcasts will not be the same because Viacom18 and Star India merged and now they say their name is Jiostar. Because of the new setup, when people watch the IPL, which is already the top cricket league in the world, it's going to be much nicer. They're bringing in marvelously novel technology and going deeper into the games, so fans should prepare for something unique.

ALSO READ:Jemimah Rodrigues' Maiden Century and India's Record-Breaking ODI Triumph Against Ireland

IPL 2025 Auction: New Look Teams After Mega Auction in Jeddah

The player-auction for the IPL 2025, which took place in November. It happened over two days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where 182 players found new teams for a hefty total of Rs 639.15 crore. First, the 10 teams made sure to hold onto their important players then, they had the sincere intention to strengthen drastically their lineups by adding a combo of seasoned professionals and fresh, exciting rookies.This event brought significant changes to how the teams look.

Auction Highlights and Key Players

The main key news at the auction was Rishabh Pant setting a new record by being sold for a very high price of Rs 27 crore, making him the priciest player the IPL has ever seen. Right behind him, Shreyas Iyer went for Rs 26.75 crore, and Venkatesh Iyer wasn't far off with a sale at Rs 23.75 crore. Mostly, the bidding war was apparently concentrated on two main groups of players, and a portion of the largest names in the industry ended up getting very large offers.

Teams moved forward fighting for the best cricketers during the auction. Several new players joined the IPL now, making the auction unfathomably intense and memorable. Many teams spent a lot of money, even going above their budget, to acquire major-name players, including some who had a good run with the teams they played for before.

But the auction had some unexpected moments too. Major names such as David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, and Shardul Thakur didn't attract any offers, surprising everyone. This made the auction even more unpredictable and exciting.

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<![CDATA[WPL 2025: Baroda and Lucknow Selected as Host Cities]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wpl-2025-baroda-and-lucknow-selected-as-host-cities/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/wpl-2025-baroda-and-lucknow-selected-as-host-cities/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 15:21:00 GMT

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 has seen its official venues announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)   they picked Baroda and Lucknow. This move by the BCCI is of significant consequence because it shows they really want more people to watch and play women's cricket, and having matches in different places around the country.

Baroda and Lucknow: Emerging Cricket Hubs

Lucknow, famous for excellent cricket facilities, and Baroda, filled with a major cricket history, were chosen for this important event. Both spots have excellent spectacular stadiums ready to host important matches and fit in a large number of happy cricket fans. This move shows the BCCI truly wishes to help women's cricket grow by taking it to fans who are not paying attention.

State-of-the-Art Venues

The stadiums in these places are ready to have the major games. Expect an anomalous time for both fans and players at Reliance Stadium in Baroda and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. They've had major matches before and excel all the very impressive items to make sure everything goes smoothly.

ALSO READ: Experience Meets Opportunity: India's Pace Unit Gets a Boost Ahead of 2025

Boost to Women’s Cricket

The BCCI's choice to expand the league to Baroda and Lucknow shows they're fond of making women's cricket big in India. They desire to excite fans from those places very eager and also encourage girls there to start playing cricket. This move is indicative of how the league is getting more popular and how more and more people are supporting female athletes.

2024 WPL Defending Champions: Setting the Stage for Rivalry

The excitement for the 2025 edition of the WPL is already through the roof as the champions of 2024 prepare to defend their throne. In a thrilling finale, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the current champs, displayed outstanding skill, teamwork, and determination to win the title. Their path to winning has motivated cricket fans and set a standard for the teams preparing carefully for the 2025 contest.

As RCB tries to keep their title amidst tough competition, fans are planning to see them in action, getting ready for some key confrontations and memorable games.

Fans Await Thrilling Action

The 2025 WPL is going to be strikingly large, bringing together top players from all over the world. Everyone in Baroda and Lucknow is extremely excited for an important cricket experience, ready to see the best in women's cricket. Be careful for the team that won last year -- they're looking to keep their title even with all the tough teams they'll face.

Everyone's very excited for the 2025 WPL because the champions from 2024 are getting ready to keep their top spot. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the latest winners, demonstrated truly wonderful skill, teamwork, and determination to grasp the title in an amazing final match. How they won has made all cricket fans very happy and made a mark for other teams to aim for as they gear up for the 2025 competition.

As RCB tries to keep their title amidst tough competition, fans are planning to see them in action, getting ready for some key confrontations and memorable games.

 

 

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<![CDATA[Rajat Patidar Shows His Class with Unbeaten 132 Runs to Win the Game for MP in the Vijay Hazare Trophy]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rajat-patidar-shows-his-class-with-unbeaten-132-runs-to-win-the-game-for-mp-in-the-vijay-hazare-trophy/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rajat-patidar-shows-his-class-with-unbeaten-132-runs-to-win-the-game-for-mp-in-the-vijay-hazare-trophy/ Sun, 05 Jan 2025 12:45:18 GMT

The Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 season is happening now. It is an Indian domestic cricket tournament played in the 50-over format. On 5th January, in Round 7 of Group E, Bengal played against Madhya Pradesh (MP) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Bengal batted first but didn’t start well. Their opener, Abhishek Porel, got out early, scoring just 9 runs. However, his opening partner and team captain, Sudip Gharami, played an excellent innings, scoring 99 runs. The one-down batsman, Sudip Chatterjee, also supported well by adding 47 runs. Later in the innings, Mohammad Shami contributed with a quick 42 runs, which helped Bengal set a total of 269 runs. It was a competitive score for the match.

Read Also:Virat Kohli Reminds Everyone of the Sandpaper Gate Incident at the Sydney Test

In reply, Madhya Pradesh’s batting started poorly. Both openers got out for ducks, leaving the team in deep trouble. It looked like MP was in a difficult situation, but their captain, Rajat Patidar, stepped up and played a heroic innings. Rajat remained not out, scoring an incredible 132 runs. He single-handedly led his team to chase the target. He was supported well by Shubham Shyamsunder Sharma, who scored 99 runs. Shubham missed his century but played a fantastic role in forming a crucial partnership of 185 runs with Rajat. This partnership made sure the team didn’t collapse after the early wickets.

Madhya Pradesh chased down the target in just 46.2 overs. The main highlight of the match was Rajat Patidar’s brilliant knock. He faced Bengal’s bowling attack confidently, even against an experienced player like Mohammad Shami. Rajat was unstoppable and treated every bowler the same, no matter their reputation.

Rajat Patidar has been performing consistently in domestic cricket. He is currently a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL and was retained by the team for ₹11 crores. Though he hasn’t yet become a regular part of the Indian national team, Rajat is working hard to keep performing in tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His goal is to make his way into the Indian team by continuing this form and carrying it forward into the IPL 2025.

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<![CDATA[RCB’s Star Signing Jacob Bethell Impresses with Crucial Knock in BBL 2025]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rcb-s-star-signing-jacob-bethell-impresses-with-crucial-knock-in-bbl-2025/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rcb-s-star-signing-jacob-bethell-impresses-with-crucial-knock-in-bbl-2025/ Sat, 04 Jan 2025 18:21:13 GMT

Jacob Bethell’s Stellar Performance Amid Early Struggles

Jacob Bethell, one of the most exciting young talents in cricket, continues to impress with his rapid rise in the sport. Recently bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹2.6 Crore in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Bethell has been a key player for England across formats in recent months. Currently representing the Melbourne Renegades in the 14th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), the left-hander has been striving to leave his mark on the tournament.

Despite a challenging start with limited runs in his first four games, Bethell showcased his class with a brilliant knock of 49 off 36 balls against the Melbourne Stars. The innings, which included two sixes and four boundaries, highlighted his ability to anchor the innings while playing aggressive cricket. However, he fell agonizingly short of his maiden BBL half-century when Joel Paris dismissed him in the 16th over. Paris bowled a shortish delivery on middle and leg, which Bethell attempted to slog, only to top-edge it to wicketkeeper Sam Harper. Though he missed the milestone, Bethell’s performance reaffirmed why he is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in world cricket.

A Pivotal Clash in the BBL

Bethell’s vital contribution, supported by useful knocks from Jonathan Wells and Laurien Evans, helped the Melbourne Renegades post a competitive total in the first innings. The Renegades showcased a balanced batting display, with each player stepping up to ensure the team had a defendable score. On the other side, the Melbourne Stars relied heavily on their experienced bowlers, with Peter Siddle and Joel Paris leading the charge by picking up two wickets apiece.

This match carries significant weight for both teams, as they are struggling to gain momentum in the tournament. The Melbourne Stars find themselves at the bottom of the points table with just one win, while the Renegades, slightly better placed, have two victories to their name. Both teams are desperate for a win to revive their campaigns and climb the standings. With the stakes high, the second innings promises to deliver an exciting contest as the Stars aim to chase down the target.

As the league heats up, performances like Bethell’s will be crucial not only for individual players but also for their teams in the quest for success in this high-stakes competition.

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<![CDATA[IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru full squad, preview, SWOT analysis, likely XI]]> https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/ipl-2025-royal-challengers-bengaluru-full-squad-preview-swot-analysis-likely-xi/ https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/ipl-2025-royal-challengers-bengaluru-full-squad-preview-swot-analysis-likely-xi/ Sat, 30 Nov 2024 06:54:17 GMT

The three-time IPL runners-up Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are desperate to win their first IPL trophy. In the last five seasons, RCB reached the playoffs for four editions. Last season, RCB won only one match in their first eight fixtures but strongly made a comeback and beat the odds to qualify for the playoffs after winning all their last six league stage games. 

RCB retained two capped and one uncapped player ahead of the mega auction. To retain three players, the franchise spent INR 37 crore, as they had INR 83 crore in the purse for the mega auction. 

SEE ALSO: IPL 2025: Ranking all ten teams squads post the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Key additions from the mega auction

In the mega auction, RCB spent more than INR 10 crore for four key names, Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, English opener Phil Salt, Indian cricketer Jitesh Sharma and pacer Bhuvneswar Kumar. They also have some big all-rounder names in the middle-order batting, like Liam Livingstone, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya. Devdutt Padikkal has returned to the RCB. The other big names in the pace-bowling options are South African Lungi Ngidi and Sri Lankan Nuwan Thusara. 

RCB Full Squad

Batters: Virat Kohli (retained), Rajat Patidar (retained), Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chikara

Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt (English), Jitesh Sharma

All-rounders: (RTM) Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone (English), Tim David (Australian), Jacob Bethell (English), Romario Shepherd (Guyanese), Krunal Pandya, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee

Spinners: Suyash Sharma

Pacers: Yash Dayal (retained), Josh Hazlewood (Australian), Lungi Ngidi (South African), Nuwan Thusara (Sri Lankan), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, Abhinandan Singh

Brief SWOT analysis

RCB have strong top-order and middle-order batting. The overseas all-rounders have strong strike rates which is appropriate for middle-order batting in T20 cricket. The bowling line-up is new with some big international names. RCB have limited experienced Indian names in pace and spin bowling options. The other Indian names in these categories aren’t experienced. 

RCB Best Possible XI for IPL 2025

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Tim David/Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi/Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

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