As the IPL 2025 playoffs approach, the spotlight is once again on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a team known for its star power but inconsistent performances. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has weighed in on RCB’s current form and highlighted a critical flaw that could derail their campaign in the knockout stages.
Speaking during a recent cricket analysis show, Uthappa pointed out that RCB’s overdependence on a few key players, particularly in the batting department, remains a glaring weakness. “The top-order is doing the bulk of the scoring, especially with someone like Virat Kohli or Faf du Plessis leading from the front,” Uthappa said. “But once you get past that top three, the middle-order doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence.”
Inconsistency in the Middle Order
Uthappa stressed that teams which go on to win the IPL are those with depth and flexibility in their batting line-up. He observed that while players like Glenn Maxwell or Rajat Patidar have had a few explosive innings, they haven’t consistently performed under pressure.
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“There’s a visible drop in momentum after the top three fall. That becomes a huge issue in high-stakes playoff games where every run and every over matters. If RCB lose early wickets, the middle-order often struggles to rebuild or accelerate,” Uthappa explained.
Bowling Concerns Remain
While Uthappa focused on the batting order, he also hinted that RCB’s bowling — especially in the death overs — remains a concern. “They’ve improved compared to previous seasons, but bowling under pressure in the last five overs is still dicey,” he added. “In the playoffs, against stronger opposition, that could prove costly.”
The Path Ahead
RCB have qualified for the playoffs with a late surge in the league stage, showing resilience and fight. However, Uthappa believes that unless the team finds a way to bring stability to their middle-order and tighten their death bowling, they might fall short once again.
“RCB have the passion and fan support like no other team. But to finally lift the trophy, they need to play as a unit — not just rely on one or two superstars,” he concluded.
As the playoffs draw near, RCB fans will be hoping the team can iron out these issues and finally end their long wait for IPL glory.