IPL 2025: Not Vaibhav Suryavanshi or Andre Siddarth, This RCB Player Can Be the Breakout Star of Season

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged as one of the most strategic teams in the IPL 2025 auction. Eschewing a frenzied chase for marquee names, they focused on assembling a balanced squad with players who perfectly fit their plans.

In the midst of high-profile purchases, one name stands out as a potential game-changer: Manoj Bhandage. Often overlooked in favour of hyped newcomers in the IPL like Vaibhav Suryavanshi or seasoned campaigners like C Andre Siddarth, Manoj is the player to watch this season.

Manoj Bhandage: RCB’s Breakout Star

A hard-hitting all-rounder, Manoj Bhandage has been quietly building a reputation as one of the most exciting talents in domestic cricket. Picked up by RCB at his base price of INR 30 lakhs, he is not a complete stranger to the franchise, having been part of their squad in previous editions. However, the IPL 2025 season could finally be his platform to shine.

Bhandage made waves in the Maharaja T20 Trophy 2024, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball. He amassed 292 runs in 12 innings at an extraordinary strike rate of 213.13, including a fifty. With the ball, he was equally effective, taking eight wickets at a respectable average of 25.25. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations makes him a strong contender for the finisher's role.

What Sets Manoj Bhandage Apart

Manoj’s batting strength lies in his ability to take on pace bowlers with ease. In the Maharaja T20 Trophy, he found the boundary every 3.34 deliveries – a staggering statistic that highlights his finishing capabilities. His knack for hitting any length adds immense value, especially at death overs.

While the Impact Player rule has somewhat reduced the significance of bowling all-rounders, Manoj’s growing skillset with the ball ensures he remains a dual threat. His medium pace can offer crucial breakthroughs, and his versatility provides RCB with tactical flexibility.

RCB’s squad composition leaves room for Manoj Bhandage to become a regular in their playing XI. With few reliable pace-bowling all-rounders, Bhandage offers a unique skillset that complements RCB’s top-heavy batting lineup.

The team could deploy him in a dual role:

• As a finisher, partnering with Tim David to add firepower at the backend of innings.
• As an Impact Player, depending on match situations, to bolster either the batting or bowling departments.

Additionally, his familiarity with the conditions at M Chinnaswamy Stadium could give him an edge when handling the high-pressure environment of IPL matches.

Manoj Bhandage’s Career So Far

While Manoj’s IPL opportunities have been limited, his domestic performances underline his potential. In 28 T20s, he has scored 187 runs at a strike rate of 132.62 and taken 18 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 8.66. These numbers, combined with his recent performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024, suggest he is primed for a breakthrough season.

Manoj Bhandage’s under-the-radar presence might soon make him a household name. If given consistent chances, Manoj has the tools to transform into RCB’s X-factor in IPL 2025.