Royal Challengers Bengaluru Prepare for IPL 2025 Amidst Demanding Schedule

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are currently focused on their upcoming matches while also considering the challenges that lie ahead in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Following two games played away from home, RCB faces a period where they will alternate between home and away games for the next ten matches. This demanding schedule and the subsequent workload management were key discussion points during a press conference held on Tuesday, April 1st, at the Chinnawamy Stadium, as highlighted by RCB team director Mo Bobat.

Navigating a Congested Schedule

Bobat acknowledged the challenges presented by the demanding itinerary. He emphasized the team's focus on performing well in the initial games and motivating players both at home and away. However, he underscored a larger concern: the congestion of the schedule itself.

“I think you just deal with the schedule that you get given,” Bobat stated. “We definitely try to focus in those first couple of games at making the statement start. Because going to two big teams with good and proud home records is a good challenge. So we use that as something to motivate the group. Similarly, we want to come back here and motivate the group to go on a show in front of their own fans. So you just deal with what's in front of you. So I don't think that's a big issue.”

He further elaborated, “I think a bigger challenge for us scheduling-wise is probably the amount of travel that we’ve got. So we've actually got quite a laid-back and quiet start and quite a nice relaxed end. But the middle is very congested. I think from after this game onwards we play something like seven games in 22 days with seven travel days. That’s a very hectic schedule. So I’m more interested in how we keep the boys fresh through that period and keep playing the way we want to play.”

Managing Player Fitness and Workload

With a packed schedule ahead, maintaining player fitness and managing workload becomes crucial. Two of RCB's key fast bowlers, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, have faced varying injury concerns recently. Hazlewood has made a successful return after rehabilitation, while Kumar was rested for the first game due to a minor niggle.

“Obviously Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] had a slightly slower start in leading just because he had a very minor niggle and we didn't want to put him at risk. He probably could have played that first game if we really wanted him to but we didn't want to put him at risk. Josh [Hazlewood] came off the back of an injury with Cricket Australia but they managed that pretty conservatively and then handed him over to us and we finished that rehab here. So they're both in a good place now,” Bobat explained.

Bobat acknowledged the need for potential rotation and rest for players, emphasizing a proactive approach to managing workloads.

“It’s likely we’re going to have to think about things to keep players fresh through the middle. I think that’s obvious. But right now every game is important so we’re not thinking too far ahead. We’ll take it on a day by day, week by week basis. Our medical team are doing a brilliant job and they’ve got a good track record over the last few years. If you look at us relative to probably other teams we’ve not had too many sub-tissue injuries. So just keep focusing every day at a time, every game at a time. Try and keep them on the park because we know how good they are. If they end up needing a bit of a rest we’re pretty relaxed about that too because we’ve got a really good squad.”

Depth and Variety in the Bowling Attack

RCB's bowling unit boasts a diverse range of options. Bobat expressed confidence in the squad's depth and ability to adapt to different match conditions.

“We’re really happy with our bowling unit,” he stated. “We’ve got points of difference with Nuwan [Thushara] and people like that.”

Key observations about the RCB bowling attack:

• Established Stars: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood provide experience and pace.
• Versatile Options: Nuwan Thushara offers a unique skillset.
• Adaptability: RCB can adjust their strategy based on opposition and conditions.