Kohli’s Perfect Pairings: 3 Dream Openers For RCB In 2025

By
Sumit Kushwaha
Hi there! I'm Sumit Kushwaha, a passionate creative content writer with a knack for crafting engaging and informative content. With a strong foundation in SEO, I...
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Kohli's Perfect Pairings: 3 Dream Openers For RCB In 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has retained their star batter Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The 36-year-old has been kept for ₹21 crore. Batter Rajat Patidar and pacer Yash Dayal were also retained for ₹11 crore and ₹5 crore, respectively. However, former captain Faf du Plessis has been released after leading the team from 2022 to 2024.

The decision to release Du Plessis wasn’t surprising. At 40, RCB likely wants to focus on younger talent for the future. Though the team didn’t win a title under Du Plessis, he formed a strong opening pair with Kohli, scoring over 2,000 runs together at an average of nearly 50. Now, RCB needs a new opening partner for Kohli, and the auction will be critical. Here are three players RCB could consider.

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1. Ishan Kishan

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Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan, a left-handed Indian opener, is a strong contender. Known for his aggressive batting, the 26-year-old has scored 2,644 runs in 105 IPL matches at a strike rate of 135.87, including 16 fifties. While his 2024 season was below par, he had impressive performances in the previous years, with over 400 runs in two consecutive IPL editions.

Kishan has experience playing under Kohli in T20Is and performed well during that time. His ability to hit big and dominate bowlers makes him a great potential partner for Kohli. With a double century in ODIs already under his belt, Kishan has the skills to excel and could bring a fresh, energetic approach to RCB’s top order.

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2. Jos Buttler

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England’s Jos Buttler is another excellent option. A consistent performer in the IPL, Buttler has scored 3,055 runs for Rajasthan Royals (RR) at an impressive strike rate of 147.79. He was a standout in IPL 2022, scoring 863 runs with four centuries and four fifties.

Although Buttler delivered two centuries in IPL 2024, he missed the playoffs due to national commitments, possibly leading to his release by RR. Pairing Kohli with Buttler could create a devastating opening duo, blending consistency and power. Their partnership could match or even surpass the Kohli-Du Plessis pairing in effectiveness.

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3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

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Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz offers a younger, explosive alternative. Known for his fearless hitting, the 23-year-old has shown promise in international cricket with eight ODI centuries and consistent performances in T20Is.

Gurbaz has limited IPL experience, with only 13 matches played so far, but his talent is undeniable. In the T20 World Cup, he impressed with half-centuries against strong teams like New Zealand and Australia. His aggressive style could complement Kohli’s stability, giving RCB a dynamic opening combination.

As RCB prepares for the mega auction, finding Kohli’s new partner will be a key focus. Whether they go for the seasoned power of Buttler, the versatile Kishan, or the youthful energy of Gurbaz, the team’s top-order strategy will be crucial in their hunt for the elusive IPL title.

Also Read: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Starc, Warner, Maxwell Headline Aussie Contingent

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Hi there! I'm Sumit Kushwaha, a passionate creative content writer with a knack for crafting engaging and informative content. With a strong foundation in SEO, I specialize in optimizing content to improve search engine visibility and drive organic traffic. I'm skilled at blog writing, article writing, copywriting, keyword research. My goal is to help businesses achieve their marketing objectives through compelling and SEO-friendly content.