Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have hit a rough patch in the IPL 2025 season, losing four consecutive matches after a promising start. The team's mid-season slump can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a struggling middle order, Virat Kohli's hyper-aggressive approach backfiring, and the injury to key opener Phil Salt.
Middle Order Decline
RCB's batting lineup has heavily relied on the top order, but the middle order has failed to deliver consistently. Players like Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green have struggled to convert starts into substantial scores, putting immense pressure on the lower order. The team's over-reliance on a few batters has exposed their lack of depth, with the middle order contributing only 25% of the total runs in the last five matches.
Kohli's Hyper-Aggression Backfires
Virat Kohli, known for his aggressive batting, has seen his approach backfire in recent games. His strike rate of 190 in the powerplay has been offset by a high dismissal rate, as he has been caught in the deep or bowled while attempting expansive shots. In the last three matches, Kohli has scored just 45 runs at an average of 15, with his aggressive intent leading to early wickets that have derailed RCB's innings.
Salt's Injury Impact
Phil Salt's injury has been a significant blow to RCB's opening combination. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter, who formed a formidable partnership with Kohli, has been ruled out for two weeks due to a hamstring strain. His absence has forced RCB to shuffle the batting order, with Faf du Plessis moving up to open, but the combination has not clicked. Salt's replacement, Dinesh Karthik, has struggled to provide the same impetus, scoring only 30 runs in three innings.
Bowling Concerns
RCB's bowling attack has also been inconsistent. While Josh Hazlewood has been economical, the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Karn Sharma has leaked runs in the middle overs. The team's death bowling has been particularly poor, with an economy rate of 12.5 in the last five matches.
Way Forward
To arrest the slide, RCB need to address their middle-order woes by promoting all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell up the order. Kohli may need to temper his aggression and anchor the innings, while the bowling unit must focus on tighter lines. With Salt's return uncertain, the team management must find a stable opening combination to regain momentum.
