IPL 2025: 3 Flop signings of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are enjoying one of their best seasons in IPL history, currently sitting second on the points table with 16 points from 11 matches and a net run rate of +0.482. 

With just a few games left in the league stage, they have all but sealed their place in the playoffs, and RCB fans are beginning to believe that 2025 could finally be the year their team lifts its maiden IPL trophy. However, a few of their new signings have not quite lived up to expectations. They have struggled to deliver the kind of impact they were expected to bring.

Here are the three flop signings of RCB in IPL 2025:

1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

One of RCB’s senior-most bowlers has had a mixed season so far. With 12 wickets from 10 matches, the veteran pacer has shown flashes of his old self, especially when in rhythm. However, his economy rate of 8.92 has raised concerns, particularly during key moments in close games.

There were occasions when opposition batters went after him with ease. At times, he appeared clueless under pressure, and that inconsistency has left some fans frustrated. Given his reputation and expertise, particularly in death bowling, RCB supporters will be hoping to see more stability and sharper execution from him as the team approaches the business end of the tournament. 

2. Liam Livingstone

RCB’s English all-rounder, a key middle-order power-hitter, has struggled to make an impact this season. In seven appearances, he has managed to score just 87 runs at an average of 17.40 and a strike rate of 127.94, far below expectations for a player known for his finishing skills.

With the ball, he has picked up only two wickets while conceding runs at an economy of 8.44. His inconsistent performances led to him being dropped from the playing XI, with the team instead opting for Romario Shepherd, who has formed a strong lower-order pairing with Tim David.

The move proved successful in RCB’s clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where Shepherd smashed a blistering 50 off just 14 balls, equalling the joint-second-fastest fifty in IPL history.   

3. Rasikh Salam

When Rasikh Salam was picked up by RCB ahead of this season, fans were optimistic. The young pacer had shown strong performances in the recent domestic season and also impressed during the Emerging Asia Cup for India. 

However, Salam hasn’t quite lived up to expectations so far. In the two matches he has played, he has managed to pick up just one wicket, while conceding runs at a concerning economy rate of 11.66.

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