As the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) draws closer, former Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has raised significant concerns about Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s approach to team selection. Prasad has questioned the franchise's lack of faith in local talent as they prepare for the upcoming season.
RCB, despite being one of the more established teams in the tournament, have yet to claim the IPL title. The team has played wonderful cricket over the years, but it remains the side that has struggled to secure that elusive championship.
“How a team is managed makes all the difference. Other teams are putting faith in local talent, so why is RCB not doing the same? Are they building a brand, or are they truly focused on winning the IPL?" Prasad questioned while speaking on JioHotstar.
In their current lineup, RCB have two talented players from Karnataka in all-rounder Manoj Bhandage, and Indian batter Devdutt Padikkal. Manoj Bhandage has not featured for the side since being signed by them back in 2023. Devdutt Padikkal, on the other hand, had two decent seasons with the side back in 2020 and 2021. Meanwhile, RCB will begin their IPL 2025 campaign by taking on defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar in the IPL 2025.