Former South African captain and IPL legend AB de Villiers believes that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a well-balanced squad for IPL 2025, despite concerns over the lack of a high-quality spinner. De Villiers, who was a mainstay for RCB from 2011 to 2021, feels that if Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood remains fit, the team has all the ingredients to succeed in the upcoming season.
RCB secured Hazlewood for ₹12.50 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, but the 34-year-old pacer has been out of action since last December when he last played a Test against India in Brisbane. Though he has arrived in India to join the RCB camp, his fitness remains a key question as the tournament approaches.
During a discussion on Star Sports Press Room: Explosive Rankings, AB de Villiers addressed RCB’s squad balance and the absence of a standout spinner. “They made some great moves in the auction, and their squad looks really well-balanced. While they lack an X-factor spinner, they do have solid options like Krunal Pandya, who is a proven performer with both bat and ball,” de Villiers remarked.
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However, he pointed out that RCB’s biggest challenge might not be their spin attack but the demanding IPL schedule. “The scheduling will be a bigger obstacle than the lack of a mystery spinner. They have the trickiest schedule, constantly moving between venues. But their balance will help them adapt,” he added.
Despite never winning an IPL title in his 14-season career, AB de Villiers is optimistic about RCB’s batting firepower. He believes that Virat Kohli will thrive while opening alongside England’s Phil Salt, whom RCB secured for ₹11.50 crore.
“That batting lineup is a perfect mix of power and control. Virat will enjoy batting with Phil Salt, who is an explosive opener. And with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience in the bowling attack, RCB will be a strong unit,” he noted. De Villiers also emphasized the importance of keeping Hazlewood fit. “If Hazlewood stays injury-free, RCB will have a great season. While a mystery spinner would have been a bonus, teams have won IPL titles without one before,” he said.
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Additionally, de Villiers praised the leadership structure at RCB, particularly Rajat Patidar’s captaincy. “I really like the fact that Rajat Patidar is leading the team. Virat seems happy with the decision and is backing him. That kind of support can boost Patidar’s confidence and performance throughout the tournament,” he concluded.
With a blend of experience and power-packed batting, RCB enter IPL 2025 with renewed hopes. If their key players stay fit and adapt to the schedule, de Villiers’ confidence in the team’s potential might just prove to be spot on.
