The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been one of the most high-profile franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), boasting some of the biggest names in world cricket. Despite their star-studded line-ups over the years, RCB have yet to lift the coveted IPL trophy. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke recently shared his thoughts on the franchise’s struggles, highlighting key reasons behind their repeated failures.
Michael Clarke on RCB’s struggles in clinching the title
Speaking with Erin Holland on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast, Clarke emphasized that having star power alone is not enough to win an IPL title. He pointed out that RCB have consistently faltered in gelling as a team, particularly during crucial knockout matches. While players like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli have delivered exceptional individual performances, the team as a whole has struggled to maintain composure when it matters the most.
“Oh RCB. Always so much expectation. Our minds are still thinking about when they had AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli. They had all the Superstars. Generally, in team sport, its not about the superstars. Its about how you gel as a team. And I think RCB, this year, that’s gonna be there challenge to come together as a team,” said Clarke.
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A fresh start for IPL 2025
Heading into the IPL 2025 season, RCB have made significant changes to their squad, aiming to strike the right balance between experienced campaigners and promising talents. The franchise retained three key players—Kohli, Rajat Patidar (the new captain), and Yash Dayal. These players form the core of the team, providing stability and leadership as they look to change RCB’s fortunes.
In the auction, RCB made some notable acquisitions to strengthen their squad. They signed all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who brings explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling. England’s Phil Salt and India’s Jitesh Sharma have been added to bolster the wicketkeeping and batting department. On the bowling front, the inclusion of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood is expected to provide much-needed experience and depth.
