RCB’s Home Ground Woes Continue in IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves in a troubling position this season, having suffered three consecutive losses at their fortress—the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Each defeat, notably, has come at the hands of former RCB players who returned with a vengeance. It’s beginning to feel like a pattern, or perhaps even a hex of the exes, as familiar faces have played pivotal roles in dismantling their former team.
A Risky Call Backfires: The Devdutt Padikkal Omission
Ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), RCB made a surprising call by excluding Devdutt Padikkal from their playing XI. With a rain-shortened game expected, many assumed a batting-heavy lineup would be prudent. However, RCB went the other way, holding back an eighth batter to bolster their bowling.
Stand-in captain Rajat Patidar, after losing his third toss in a row at home, confessed confusion over the Impact Player rule, stating, “I am a bit confused about the Impact Player, but we’re playing the same team.”
This decision, whether strategic or miscalculated, proved costly. The top order collapsed under overcast skies and a moisture-laden pitch that provided plenty of assistance to seamers.
Arshdeep Singh Strikes Early: Déjà Vu for RCB
It took only one over for things to unravel. Arshdeep Singh, a former RCB net bowler and now a Punjab Kings spearhead, delivered a sharp short ball to Phil Salt, dismissing him in a fashion eerily reminiscent of an earlier T20I clash between India and England. From there, the collapse began in earnest.
Virat Kohli, usually dependable, mistimed a pull and was caught at mid-on. The pitch, affected by rain, offered bounce and deviation that made stroke-making hazardous. Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma also succumbed to misjudged shots, while Krunal Pandya was undone by a brutish short delivery from Marco Jansen that struck his helmet before popping up off his glove.
Manoj Bhandage’s Dream Turns Nightmare
At 33 for 5 in 6.1 overs, RCB finally turned to their Impact Player—Manoj Bhandage. A local Karnataka talent who had long awaited his chance, Bhandage’s debut was far from ideal. With a mountain to climb and the crowd expecting miracles, he lasted just four balls. His unsuccessful review for LBW was symbolic of the night: a blend of hope and helplessness.
Ghosts of RCB Past: Ex-Players Keep Coming Back to Haunt
The pattern this season has been uncanny. In their first home game, Mohammed Siraj—once an RCB loyalist—returned with Gujarat Titans and made a statement. The following week, it was KL Rahul. The very ground where he launched his T20 career in 2016 saw him play a match-winning innings and theatrically claim, “This is my ground,” echoing a scene from the Kannada blockbuster Kantara.
Then came Friday night, and another return that stung: Yuzvendra Chahal. Once the linchpin of RCB’s bowling attack, Chahal was let go unceremoniously despite being the highest wicket-taker at Chinnaswamy. On this night, he returned not just to bowl but to dominate.
Chahal’s Masterclass: A Reminder of What RCB Let Go
From the very first ball, Chahal signaled intent. Tossing the ball up with deceptive flight and turn, he lured Jitesh Sharma into a false stroke for a simple catch. It was classic leg-spin, textbook Chahal.
His crowning moment came with the dismissal of Rajat Patidar—a batter known for punishing spin. With a beautifully looped delivery that dipped late and spun just enough, Chahal forced Patidar into a lofted shot that landed safely in the hands of the long-off fielder. The roar, the fist pump, the sprint—it was all there. A performance that doubled as a personal statement and a painful reminder for RCB fans.
Tim David’s Lone Stand: A Silver Lining Amid Chaos
Amidst the ruins of yet another collapse, one man stood tall—Tim David. Known more for his cameos, David played the longest innings of his IPL career, scoring 50 off 26 balls. He gave the home side a fighting chance, lifting the total to something resembling competitive.
While the bowlers responded with grit and nearly dragged RCB back into the contest, the damage had already been done.
Is It Just Bad Luck or a Brewing Crisis?
RCB’s consistent failures with the bat at home are no longer isolated incidents. Three home games. Three defeats. And in each, a former player has delivered a match-defining performance. The trend is too persistent to dismiss as coincidence.
What’s worse is the psychological toll. The Chinnaswamy Stadium, once a fortress, now feels like a trap. The crowd’s groans grow louder with each misstep, and the team’s confidence is visibly shaken.
Conclusion: RCB Must Rethink Strategy and Reclaim Their Turf
For RCB, the path ahead is steep. The team must regroup, reassess its decisions—especially around team selection and impact player usage—and reignite its batting unit. The bowling attack has shown promise, but without support from the top order, it’s like building a castle on sand.
Perhaps the most important challenge? Exorcising the ghosts of former players who keep returning to steal their thunder.
Until then, the hex of the exes lives on.
