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IPL 2025: Kohli And Salt To Open, No Place For England Star; RCB's Strongest Batting Lineup

Anurag Dasgupta

Kohli and Salt To Open for RCB [Source: iplt20.com] Kohli and Salt To Open for RCB [Source: iplt20.com]

The focus is on the Champions Trophy 2025 but the fans have already started preparing themselves for the upcooming IPL, which is set to begin on March 21. Ten teams will fight it out for the coveted trophy and the focus today will be on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their strongest batting lineup for the upcoming season.

The team boasts plethora of superstars and the management have bolster their squad from last season. The batting unit looks sharp and the team has added firepower in the middle-order which was mising last season. Ahead of the season, we look at RCB's strongest batting unit and there is a surprising exclusion as well.

Kohli to open with fiery Phil Salt

As confirmed by RCB coach, Andy Flower, Virat Kohli is set to open for the RCB in the upcoming season and his batting partner would be the explosive English opener, Phil Salt. The two openers are stark contrast to each other and it would work in RCB's favour.

Salt is known for his power game and he would love facing the bowlers at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Kohli, sometimes struggles to score freely, however, with Salt at the other end, the former RCB skipper can take his time as his partner can go all guns blazing.

Patiidar, Livingstone to bat at 3, 4

One of the best hitters of spin bowling in India, Rajat Patidar is bound to have a great IPL season and the Madhya Pradesh batter is most likely to bat at number 3. The team last year struggled in the middle overs when spinners were around, and Patidar can ensure that they continue to put pressure on spinners.

Liam Livingstone is a great addition in the side. An explosive middle order batter, Livingstone will enjoy his outing and if given the license, can take down any attack with utmost ease.

No place for Bethell, Tim David to be the finisher

A lot was expected of Jacob Bethell, but the English prodigy has had a poor run in the ongoing Big Bash League.  Before the BBL, Tim David was in a poor form, but the Aussie batter had a remarkable turnaround and has already won two games on his own for the Hobart Hurricanes.

He is most likely to bat at number 6, and that leaves the number 5 spot, which belongs to Jitesh Sharma. He showed glimpses of his batting during his time with Punjab Kings, and the Vidarbha batter is likely to bat at number 5 and will provide cushion to Tim David.

RCB's strongest Top 6

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David