Who Could be Four Overseas Players in RCB's Playing11 in IPL 2025
IPL 2025: As the IPL 2025 is heading close, the buzz can be felt loud. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are once again gearing up for the IPL season with dreams of finally lifting the trophy.
Rajat Patidar, the new captain at the helm will be hoping for a fresh start. One of the key decisions they must make is selecting the four overseas players who can provide the right balance to their playing XI.
RCB have eight overseas players and those are: Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, and Lungi Ngidi. All of them are well-known in international cricket and have a unique playing style that claims to give them a strong front.
Let's take a peek at the top four overseas players in RCB's Playing11 in IPL 2025:
A Wicket-Keeper Who Can Attack
Phil Salt, the English wicketkeeper-batter, is a strong contender. He is known for his aggressive batting at the top of the order, making him an ideal partner for Virat Kohli. With Jitesh Sharma also in the squad, RCB has the option to rotate their wicketkeeping choices, but Salt’s international experience and ability to give quick starts could give him the edge.
An All-Rounder Who Brings Firepower
It is going to be a tough call for RCB management between Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Romario Shepherd. Among the strongest overseas players in RCB’s squad, Liam Livingstone stands out as an explosive batter. Known for his ability to clear the ropes with ease, he can turn the game on its head within a few overs. Bethell also brings the same skillset to the table but his lack of experience might drag him down.
A Speedster to Lead the Bowling
Josh Hazlewood has been a proven performer for RCB in previous seasons. His ability to swing the ball upfront and deliver pinpoint yorkers at the death makes him a reliable bowling option. With RCB’s bowling being their Achilles' heel, his presence adds much-needed stability to their pace attack. On batting-friendly pitches like Chinnaswamy, where bowlers often have a tough time, a pacer with Hazlewood’s experience could be the difference between victory and defeat.
A Batter Who Could Finish explosive
Tim David, the hard-hitting Singapore-born Australian cricketer, is another overseas option who can provide balance to the side. He has made a name for himself as a finisher, capable of taking on any bowling attack in the death overs. His ability to play the big shots under pressure could be a game-changer for RCB, especially in tight run-chases. However, Romario Shepherd is a similar player and he also can offer a few fast bowling overs for the team.
Picking the right combination of overseas players is never an easy task, and RCB has some big calls to make. If they decide to focus on strengthening their batting, Livingstone, Salt, and David could all make the cut. But if they prioritize bowling, Hazlewood and Shepherd will surely get the nod. As always, finding the perfect balance will be key, and RCB will be hoping that their chosen four can finally help them break the jinx and bring the trophy home.
