Kamal Ghorui
BENGALURU: Until June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru carried the tag of underachievers — a team that spent 17 previous seasons chasing an elusive trophy. On a muggy night in Ahmedabad, that narrative finally shifted. Built less on individual stardom and more on collective performances, RCB shed their long-standing baggage and got the monkey off their backs.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 recalibrated. Against fellow southerners Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB begin their campaign as defending champions — a feat only Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have managed to follow up with a successful title defence.
While it is a long season ahead, a strong start will be crucial. Chinnaswamy hasn’t always been a fortress for RCB, and against an SRH side packed with explosive batters, the challenge is immediate.On paper, the two teams share striking similarities. Both boast formidable batting units, both are without their premier Australian quicks, and they will rely on a blend of experienced Indian names and promising youngsters. The conditions only add to the intrigue. The last completed IPL game at the venue last season — RCB’s clash against CSK — saw a staggering 424 runs scored, with the hosts defending 215 by just two runs. If the surface stays true to its batting-friendly reputation, bowlers from both sides could be in for a long evening.RCB have largely retained the core that delivered their maiden title, using the mini-auction to plug specific gaps. The additions of Venkatesh Iyer and England’s Jordan Cox bring flexibility, while young Indian recruits like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra add depth and future promise.Their batting remains their biggest strength. With Virat Kohli and Phil Salt expected to set the tone at the top, Jacob Bethell’s recent form adds another dynamic layer. The middle order is stacked with experience and firepower in Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer. The team management, in fact, faces the enviable headache of narrowing down a balanced playing XI.However, the absence of Josh Hazlewood — their most impactful bowler last season — could be a significant setback. The Australian pacer, still working his way back from injury concerns, only rejoined the squad on Thursday and will sit out of 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 quick Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to clear the fitness test in his home country. In Hazlewood’s absence, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy could be handed an IPL debut. He is expected to slot into an otherwise Indian-heavy bowling unit, with youngsters Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar pushing for inclusion. The spin department, featuring Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, will also have a key role in controlling the middle overs.SRH, meanwhile, look equally formidable with the bat. Led by Ishan Kishan, they have a destructive line-up comprising Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy. However, their bowling appears relatively undercooked in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, even though they can call upon the experience of Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Jaydev Unadkat.Away from the on-field contest, it will be a sombre homecoming for RCB. The 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 the venue.
