RCB made some smart acquisitions in the IPL 2025 auction. Though they started off slowly in the auction, they managed to assemble a strong squad for the upcoming season.
RCB made some smart acquisitions in the IPL 2025 auction. Though they started off slowly in the auction, they managed to assemble a strong squad for the upcoming season.
Having retained just three players before the auction, they bought 19 players in the auction, bringing their total squad size to 22.
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Given their squad, let’s take a look at the four key overseas players likely to feature in RCB’s playing XI for IPL 2025.
Phil Salt
Phil Salt was bought by RCB for INR 11.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, after being released by KKR. He was a pivotal part of KKR’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2024, scoring 435 runs in 12 matches. Salt’s performances have made him a key acquisition for RCB, where he will be one of the top overseas choices for the team.
In IPL 2025, Salt is expected to open the innings alongside Virat Kohli and also take on the wicketkeeping duties. With the Chinnaswamy pitch and its small boundaries, Salt’s aggressive batting style is expected to thrive, providing RCB with strong starts during the powerplay and helping set the tone for their innings.
Liam Livingstone
RCB acquired Liam Livingstone for INR 8.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction after he was released by PBKS. He was the only player RCB bought from the marquee set, making him a valuable addition to their squad. Livingstone’s versatility will be crucial, as he can bowl both off-spin and leg-spin, in addition to his powerful batting in the middle order. Although RCB also signed Jacob Bethell, Livingstone is expected to be picked ahead of him for the playing XI.
Given the small boundaries of Chinnaswamy Stadium, Livingstone’s ability to hit big will be a major asset for RCB. His recent excellent form in international cricket further boosts expectations, and he will be expected to make a significant impact with both bat and ball in the upcoming season.
Also Read: 4 First-Choice Overseas Players for CSK Playing XI in IPL 2025
Tim David
RCB bought Tim David for INR 3 crore in the IPL 2025 auction after he was released by Mumbai Indians. David previously played for RCB in 2021, where he featured in just one match during his debut IPL season. Now back with RCB, David is expected to bolster the middle order alongside Liam Livingstone, with both providing strength to the batting lineup. Although RCB also signed Romario Shepherd, David is likely to be picked ahead of him for the playing XI.
David has previously performed well for MI in the lower middle order, and RCB will be hoping for similar performances from him in the upcoming season. With his power-hitting ability, David will be crucial for RCB, especially during the latter stages of innings, and will play an important role in their middle order.
Josh Hazlewood
RCB strengthened their pace attack by acquiring Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for INR 12.5 crore in the IPL 2025 auction. Hazlewood had previously played for them in the IPL 2022 and IPL 2023 season. This move comes after struggles with their pacers last season, and Hazlewood’s addition will bring much-needed experience and stability to the bowling unit. Along with Hazlewood, RCB hasve also bought Nuwan Thushara and Lungi Ngidi, but Hazlewood is expected to be a key player in their pace attack.
Hazlewood’s ability to bowl with accuracy and control in the powerplay will be crucial for RCB, especially in the overs where they have struggled in the past. His precise line and length, combined with his experience, will provide the much-needed stability alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar. RCB will look to him to anchor their bowling attack and help resolve their pace-bowling issues in the upcoming season.
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