Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have kicked off IPL 2025 with a bang, securing two consecutive away wins and establishing themselves as early contenders. According to AB de Villiers, one of the key factors behind their impressive performances has been the team’s ability to bond while on the road. Speaking on his podcast ‘AB de Villiers 360,’ the former RCB legend divulged on how the RCB is doing so well under new skipper Rajat Patidar’s leadership.
AB de Villiers on RCB’s superb IPL 2025 start
“Traveling all the time can sometimes bring a squad together more than staying at home, where players might split up and do their own thing,” de Villiers noted. As per de Villiers, who spent 11 seasons with the franchise, RCB’s cohesion has come through because of the time they have had for team bonding.
RCB began their campaign with a home practice session in Bengaluru before heading to Kolkata for their first match against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). From there, they traveled south to Chennai, where they secured a historic 50-run victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — their first win at Chepauk since 2008. Now, RCB head back home for their first game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium against Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 2.
Apart from this, the South African legend also lauded the IPL 2025 squad for RCB. “The balance of the RCB squad is 10 times better compared to previous seasons,” de Villiers stated.
Rajat Patidar’s composed leadership taking RCB forward
Captain Rajat Patidar has also played a pivotal role, stepping up in Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis’ shoes. Yesterday, he played a match-winning 51 off 32 balls. His innings proved vital, with de Villiers identifying CSK’s missed chances against him as a turning point in the match. Patidar got as many as three reprieves when all of Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi and Khaleel Ahmed spilled his chances.
With their best start in years, RCB now looks ahead to their first home game of the season against GT on April 2 in Bengaluru. With momentum on their side and a well-balanced squad, they appear ready ato make a deep run in IPL 2025.
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