Liam Livingstone Dropped? Probable Changes In RCB XI For IPL 2025 Match vs PBKS

RCB players in action [Source: AP]

This afternoon, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in match number 37 of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The much-awaited clash will take place at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur. 

Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB have blown hot and cold in the IPL 2025, claiming the fifth position in the points table with four wins in seven outings. In their previous encounter, the Red Brigade suffered another home defeat, with the Kings swatting them aside by five wickets. 

Considering the underwhelming run of their middle order, the Royal Challengers might make some changes to their playing XI for this match. 

Liam Livingstone's Place Hangs By A Thread

Veteran English all-rounder Liam Livingstone was purchased by RCB for a whopping amount of INR 8.75 Crores. However, barring a single fifty and a two-wicket haul, the experienced campaigner hasn't done anything significant for the franchise this season. 

(Liam Livingstone's IPL 2025 stats)

As shown by the above stats, Livingstone has been far from his best for RCB this season. His persistent rough patch has made RCB's middle order vulnerable, with their finisher entering the middle earlier than their ideal entry point. 

If Livingstone gets dropped, Jacob Bethell might come in as his replacement. Apart from giving a left-handed batting option, Bethell can be useful with his left-arm off-spin against Punjab's batting unit having five right-handers. 

RCB also have a more dynamic option in Romario Shepherd, but the West Indies all-rounder plays lower down the order and hence he can't be Livingstone's like-for-like replacement. 

Jitesh's Place In Question; Will Bhandage Come In As Impact Sub?

Apart from Livingstone, RCB have also been let down by Jitesh Sharma, with the keeper-batter collecting five runs off 16 deliveries in his previous two outings. However, despite his struggles, Jitesh will likely retain his place, as he played a counter-attacking knock of 40 runs against MI in the 20th match of the tournament. 

Also, Manoj Bhandage, who came in as the impact substitute in the rain-marred encounter against PBKS, might be replaced by regular number three batter Devdutt Padikkal. 

RCB's Probable Combination vs PBKS

Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Jacob Bethell/Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma
Impact player: Devdutt Padikkal

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