A Decade of Waiting: Why Hasn’t RCB Won the IPL?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remains one of the most popular franchises in the IPL, yet their trophy cabinet is still empty. Despite having legends like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in their ranks, RCB has consistently fallen short. Team director Mo Bobat, who took charge in 2023, emphasizes that while winning the IPL is the ultimate goal, the team’s focus is now on developing a culture of aggressive cricket.
The 2024 Comeback: Lessons Learned and Forward Plans
RCB’s 2024 season was a tale of two halves. After a disastrous start, the team turned things around to make the playoffs. Reflecting on the season, Bobat explains that building a strong Indian core became a priority. Historically, the bulk of Indian experience in the team rested on Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik. This imbalance was addressed by retaining three Indian players for the first time and focusing on players with leadership experience.
Strategic Retention and Auction: A Different Approach
For the 2025 auction, RCB shifted focus to building a balanced playing XI over a large squad. The team aimed to invest in starters rather than bench strength. Bobat notes that spending heavily on specific roles, such as top-order batters, could have compromised the overall team balance. Instead, the focus was on high-impact players across positions, especially strengthening the bowling attack.
Data Meets Vision: The Role of Analytics in Team Building
While data analytics played a role in decision-making, Bobat insists it wasn’t the sole factor. The team first defined their vision of playing aggressive cricket, then used data to refine their selections. Observations from coaches, input from players like Kohli, and scouting insights were combined with metrics like boundary rates and death-over economy to identify players who fit their strategy.
Building Depth in Batting and Bowling
RCB’s batting lineup has been restructured to maintain aggressive intent throughout the innings. The addition of power-hitters like Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma ensures depth and reduces reliance on individual players. Similarly, the bowling attack has been bolstered with experienced names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who can perform across all phases of the game, particularly at their challenging home ground, the Chinnaswamy.
The Kohli Factor: Leadership on and off the Field
Virat Kohli remains central to RCB’s plans. In 2024, Kohli shed his conservative approach and adopted an aggressive mindset in the powerplay. This set the tone for the team’s batting strategy. According to Bobat, Kohli’s experience and adaptability will allow him to assess conditions and decide whether to anchor or attack. His collaboration with the team’s leadership ensures alignment in strategy.
Navigating Auction Challenges: Yuzi Chahal and Mohammed Siraj
RCB made bold decisions at the 2025 auction. While they bid aggressively for Yuzvendra Chahal and Venkatesh Iyer, they eventually pulled out to maintain balance across the squad. Letting go of Mohammed Siraj was particularly tough, but the team prioritized versatility and depth. Despite these challenges, RCB’s approach reflects a willingness to adapt and make calculated risks.
The Road Ahead: Obsession with the Process, Not the Outcome
Bobat concludes that while winning the IPL remains the ultimate goal, the team is obsessed with perfecting their playing style. By embracing an aggressive and fearless approach, RCB aims to overcome the challenges posed by their home ground and redefine their identity. The 2025 season will reveal whether this strategy can finally bring the elusive trophy to Bengaluru.(live score cricket ipl)