When Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) launched their Kannada Instagram page ahead of IPL 2025, few expected it to spark such a personal revolution for 15-year-old Darshan Bhat, a cricket-crazy teenager from Shivajinagar, a vibrant old neighborhood in Bengaluru.
Darshan, the son of a BMTC bus driver and a Kannada medium school student, always felt a deep connection with RCB. But like many young fans from non-English backgrounds, he struggled to fully engage with RCB’s official content online. “Aamele ella English dalli irutte sir… nanage artha agalla. Adakke RCB news nanna friend hatra kelbeku,” he says with a grin. (“Everything used to be in English… I couldn’t understand. I had to ask my friend for RCB news.”)
That changed the moment RCB launched their Kannada Instagram page. With short, punchy updates in his own language; from match previews to dressing room moments …Darshan finally felt seen. “Ivattu naanu update kodtini friendsge! Ella nan kadege barthare score kelakke!”(“Now I give updates to my friends! Everyone comes to me to ask for the score!”)
He even started a small corner in his school WhatsApp group called, “RCB Ra Makkalu”, where he translates RCB news and reels into voice notes. His posts became so popular that even teachers at his government school started asking him to “post the new Virat reel in Kannada.”
When RCB acknowledged the popularity of the Kannada page, crossing over 1.6 lakh followers in just a month …Darshan proudly told his mother, “Namma language ge value sigthide Amma. RCB namma team andre idhe feeling barbeku!”(“Our language is getting its due, Amma. If RCB is our team, this is how it should feel!”)
And if Darshan is getting his due, then team RCB also seems to be getting its due . The franchise has made it to the Qualifiers for the first time since 2016. This edition of the IPL has been a transformative chapter for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a franchise that has often been defined by star-studded lineups but inconsistent results.
From crucial contributions to a match-winning fifty! Jitesh Sharma has been a revelation for RCB this IPL. As Qualifier 1 approaches, can his journey with PBKS add another layer to his impact?@RCBTweets #RCBvsLSG #JiteshSharma
✍️ @TrishaGhosal https://t.co/V3pnl0aN3z
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) May 29, 2025
This season, however, marked a sharp departure from the traditional RCB approach of assembling a galaxy of high-cost superstars. Instead, the management recalibrated its strategy, opting for a more grounded and tactical build focused on squad balance, middle-order solidity, and experienced domestic performers. The result? RCB finished second in the points table and confidently marched into the playoffs, setting a precedent for sustainable team-building in franchise cricket.
Historically, RCB has been known for its marquee signings—Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Kevin Pietersen, and Glenn Maxwell to name a few. These players brought immense star value, but the lack of a dependable middle order and consistent bowling unit often haunted the team during crunch matches. In 2025, the franchise chose a different path.
Rather than entering a bidding war for big names, RCB invested wisely in reinforcing the middle order. Players like Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, and Rajat Patidar add depth and resilience to the batting lineup.
Patidar, in particular, repaid the faith with crucial knocks under pressure, often rescuing RCB from top-order stutters. Jitesh Sharma’s aggressive yet calculated approach in the death overs added the firepower the team had long missed.
David contributed rapid runs. This shift towards all-round capabilities and role clarity over star appeal was a pivotal reason for RCB’s consistency throughout the season.
In perhaps the most understated yet impactful move, RCB secured the services of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a seasoned campaigner with a proven record in both powerplay and death overs. Bhuvneshwar brought not just swing and accuracy, but also leadership and tactical acumen. His pairing with Josh Hazelwood and Yash Dayal brought in much needed strength to the bowling outfit. On the spin front, Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya brought in the required bite.
Another subtle yet significant storyline was the continued involvement of Dinesh Karthik (DK). Though not part of the playing XI in most games, DK remained a constant figure in the dugout. Acting as a mentor, strategist, and motivator, his presence brought calm and direction to the dressing room. DK was often seen in animated discussions with the captain, giving real-time insights and guiding young players during intense match moments.
His experience, especially as a finisher and a wicketkeeper, gave invaluable support to Jitesh and others navigating high-pressure innings. His influence on the tactical mindset of the team was quietly instrumental in helping RCB maintain composure throughout the league stage.
Virat Kohli once again proved why he remains the heart of RCB. Displaying phenomenal consistency with the bat, Kohli amassed over 600 runs this season, including five half-centuries and two masterclass centuries. His ability to anchor innings while rotating strike allowed others to play freely around him. The franchise also played top dollars for Phil Salt to open with Kohli and the pair ranks amongst the best opening pairs on performance this season.
With their qualification in IPL 2025, RCB has now made it to the playoffs nine times in IPL history:
- 2009 (Finalists)
- 2010 (Semifinalists)
- 2011 (Finalists)
- 2015 (Playoffs)
- 2016 (Finalists)
- 2020 (Playoffs)
- 2021 (Playoffs)
- 2022 (Playoffs)
- 2025 (Playoffs)
Also Read: Playing bold has given RCB the momentum that makes fans believe
Despite three appearances in finals (2009, 2011, 2016), the elusive IPL trophy continues to dodge them. However, the 2025 campaign has renewed belief among fans and analysts alike that RCB’s more structured and less emotionally-driven approach might finally lead them to glory.
One of the lesser-discussed but significant reasons behind RCB’s success this season was their excellent performance in away matches. They won seven out of seven matches on the road, showcasing their adaptability to different conditions. This is a marked improvement from previous seasons, where away performances were often their Achilles’ heel. Their comprehensive win against Chennai Super Kings in Chepauk and a thrilling chase against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad stood out as examples of their improved team character.
RCB’s 2025 campaign has been a masterclass in team-building and long-term vision. By abandoning the glittering distractions of marquee signings and focusing on squad balance, experience, mentorship, and smart leadership, the franchise has created a blueprint for sustained success.
In a league where strategy often takes a backseat to spectacle, RCB’s evolution might just inspire a new era in IPL team management. That said, as an ardent RCB fan, I am rooting for the franchise to win and make it to the finals tonight…. Ee Sala cup Namde!
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