Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have often been labeled as a team overly dependent on their ‘superstars’, but this season, a shift towards a more balanced, team-focused approach has paid dividends. Suyash Sharma became the ninth different RCB player to claim a Player-of-the-Match award this season, leading them to the IPL 2025 final. It’s a testament to the breadth of their squad’s contributions.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out, Varun Aaron highlighted this shift. “You’ve got to attribute it to having nine players being man of the match throughout the season,” Aaron remarked. “In the past, RCB were often carried by a few key players. But now, it’s a broader effort.”
The team’s depth has been evident with significant contributions from new additions and established players. Phil Salt’s impactful performances, Devdutt Padikkal’s crucial runs early in the season, and Jitesh Sharma’s recent heroics have all been pivotal. Even Rajat Patidar, though not scoring heavily, has shown promising form.
The list of match-winners this season reflects the team’s diverse strengths: Krunal Pandya, Phil Salt, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd have all had game-changing moments. As Aaron noted, it’s been about players stepping up when it mattered most, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar adding to the team’s firepower.
Tom Moody has credited RCB’s success to a well-balanced squad. “Their playing XI or XII has been a big leap from previous years,” said Moody. “It’s not just the top three anymore. There’s a deeper roster of players who can change the game.”
Moody praised their bowling as well, noting how the spinners, though not featuring any mystery deliveries, have complemented the pace attack effectively. This robustness could be key to their pursuit of an IPL title in Ahmedabad on June 3.
As Aaron summarised, “It’s just a story of guys stepping up more than they have stepped up before.” Indeed, RCB’s collective spirit might finally bring them the IPL glory they’ve long sought.
