Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made several strategic moves during the IPL 2025 auction – they now have a solid mix of seasoned international players and promising talents.
The franchise strengthened their squad with the addition of explosive duo Liam Livingstone and Philip Salt, aiming to address gaps in their lineup from the Set 1 and Set 2 categories. On the second day of the auction, RCB also brought in experienced players Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Tim David.
Alongside their marquee retention of Virat Kohli, who was retained for a massive Rs 21 crore, RCB maintained their faith in middle-order batter Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore) and left-arm seamer Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore).
Owners of RCB
The Bangalore-based franchise is owned by a subsidiary of United Spirits, which is a part of the British alcoholic beverages company Diageo.
United Spirits, which is the world’s second-largest spirits company by volume, owns a 51% stake in Royal Challengers Sports Private Ltd., the company which runs the RCB franchise.
The remaining 49% stake is owned by a group of companies including business tycoon Vijay Mallya’s UB Group. Previously, Mallya was the chairman and non-executive director of RCB, a post from which he resigned in 2016.
Who Was the First RCB Owner?
The first owner of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was Vijay Mallya, the chairman of United Spirits, a subsidiary of the UB Group.
He purchased the RCB franchise in 2008 during the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) team auction for $111.6 million, making it one of the most expensive franchises at the time.
Performance over the years
RCB have not won the IPL but finished runners-up on three occasions between 2009 and 2016.
- 2008: RCB won four out of their 14 matches in the inaugural season of the IPL and finished in 7th place on the points table.
- 2009: They fared better in 2009, finishing second at the end of the league stage with seven wins out 14 and making it to the final, where they lost to eventual champions, the now-defunct Deccan Chargers.
- 2010: They made it to the playoffs in 2010 as well, finishing third.
- 2011: RCB made it to their second successive final in 2011, but once again lost to the Chennai Super Kings.
- 2012 & 2013: They had a disappointing season in 2012, finishing in fifth place in the league stage and failed to qualify for the playoffs. They finished fifth again in 2013 with nine wins out of 16 matches.
- 2014: RCB failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third successive season in 2013. They finished seventh that season with just five wins out of 14 matches.
- 2015: RCB made it to the playoffs once again in 2015, but lost to eventual champions Mumbai Indians.
- 2016: RCB had a great season in 2016, making it to the final for the third time where they lost to the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- 2017: They had a disappointing season in 2017, finishing eighth with just three wins out of 14 matches. No playoffs.
- 2018: RCB finished sixth in 2018 with six wins out of 14 matches. No playoffs.
- 2019: RCB were the wooden spooners of IPL 2019, with just five wins out of 14 matches.
- 2020, 2021 and 2022: RCB made it to the playoffs in each of IPL 2020, 2021 and 2022, but were unable to make it to the final.
IPL 2025 squad of RCB
Here’s the full list of players acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2025 auction:
- Liam Livingstone – Rs 8.75 crore
- Philip Salt – Rs 11.50 crore
- Jitesh Sharma – Rs 11 crore
- Josh Hazlewood – Rs 12.50 crore
- Rasikh Dar – Rs 6 crore
- Suyash Sharma – Rs 2.60 crore
- Krunal Pandya – Rs 5.75 crore
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Rs 10.75 crore
- Swapnil Singh – Rs 50 lakh
- Tim David – Rs 3 crore
- Romario Shepherd – Rs 1.50 crore
- Nuwan Thushara – Rs 1.60 crore
- Manoj Bhandage – Rs 30 lakh
- Jacob Bethell – Rs 2.60 crore
- Devdutt Padikkal – Rs 2 crore
- Swastik Chikara – Rs 30 lakh
- Lungi Ngidi – Rs 1 crore
- Abhinandan Singh – Rs 30 lakh
Mohit Rathee – Rs 30 lakh
History of RCB
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), officially known as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is a professional cricket team franchise that is based out of Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. They have been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since the league was established in 2008 by United Spirits.
The team is named after the liquor brand Royal Challenge and plays their home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Rahul Dravid was the first captain of the side while Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori have all led the team over the years.
Role of Owner to Make Good IPL Team in 2025
The role of the owner in building a good team for the 2025 IPL is multifaceted and crucial.
Here’s how United Spirits Limited, as the owner, can contribute:
- Financial Investment: The owner provides the necessary financial backing to acquire talented players through auctions and trades. A strong financial commitment allows the team management to target high-quality domestic and international players, forming a competitive squad.
- Strategic Vision and Support: The owner sets the overall vision and goals for the team. They support the team management’s decisions regarding player recruitment, coaching staff appointments, and overall team strategy. This includes trusting the expertise of the coach and captain while ensuring they have the resources needed.
- Infrastructure and Resources: The owner ensures the team has access to the best possible infrastructure, including training facilities, support staff (physiotherapists, trainers, analysts), and logistical support. This professional environment contributes to player well-being and performance.
- Creating a Positive Culture: The owner plays a role in fostering a positive and winning team culture. This involves supporting team morale, encouraging collaboration, and setting high standards for professionalism both on and off the field.
- Long-term Planning and Stability: A committed owner provides stability to the franchise, allowing for long-term planning in terms of player development, scouting, and building a sustainable team structure. Avoiding impulsive decisions and supporting a consistent approach can lead to better results over time.
- Fan Engagement and Brand Building: While not directly related to team composition, a supportive owner who invests in fan engagement and brand building can create a positive atmosphere around the team, which can indirectly motivate players.
Recent Win by RCB Women Team in WPL
Royal Challengers Bangalore broke the jinx when their women’s team clinched the first title in the WPL when they beat the Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the final match. The team led by Smriti Mandhana bagged the title at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Read More: Know about List of Women’s IPL Winners and Most Runs and Wickets
Net Worth of RCB in IPL 2024
Before the start of the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are valued at $69.8 million. This has made them one of the most valuable IPL franchises.
FAQs:
Who is the current owner of RCB?
As of 2025, the owner of Royal Challengers Bangalore is United Spirits Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo. The chairman of RCB is Prathamesh Mishra.
Has RCB ever won the IPL?
No, Royal Challengers Bangalore has not won the IPL title yet. They have been runners-up three times, in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
Who is the captain of RCB in the 2025 IPL season?
Rajat Patidar is the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore for the IPL 2025 season.
Who are some of the key players for RCB in IPL 2025?
Some of the key players for RCB in the IPL 2025 squad include Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone.
🏏 Excited for RCB’s IPL 2023 journey! 🚀 With their strong squad and a history of playoffs, they’re geared up for another thrilling season! 🔥 Let’s go, RCB! 🙌 #RCB #IPL2023 🏆