RCB season 2025 vs 2024 comparison: How Royal Challengers Bengaluru have fared in IPL 2025 when compared to 2024?

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A change of guard, an altered mindset, and a shift in fortunes away from home - Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) 2025 season has already carved a distinct identity from their 2024 campaign.

With four wins in their first six games, all on the road, RCB look like a side trying to break away from familiar inconsistencies, though their home troubles persist. Rajat Patidar's transition into captaincy after Faf du Plessis' exit has added a new layer to the franchise's evolution.

In 2024, RCB's campaign was off to a scratchy start. They lost four of their first six matches, three of those at home, despite a couple of Virat Kohli masterclasses. The team struggled to stitch together complete performances. Their bowling, often anchored by Mohammed Siraj, lacked consistent support. Siraj was one of the few shining lights in an otherwise leaky attack - but he was released ahead of the 2025 auction.

Fast forward to this season, and there's a notable shift in RCB's start. They've already claimed four wins from six matches - a mirror image of last year's early woes. Three of these wins have come against formidable opponents: Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals - all away from home. Yet, despite this improved start, their Achilles' heel remains unhealed - the Chinnaswamy curse.

RCB 2025 vs 2024 season progress in points

• Notes: In IPL, a win gives 2 points, and a loss gives 0
• In 2025, RCB won 4 of their first 6 games
• In 2024, they managed just 1 win from their first 6

Home is where the hurt is

RCB have played three matches at home in 2025 - and lost all three. This mirrors their home struggle from last year, where they failed to defend decent totals and their bowlers couldn't contain the opposition in batting-friendly conditions. The big difference? There's no Siraj to rely on anymore, and the new-look bowling attack is still figuring out how to tackle Bengaluru's unforgiving pitch.

In contrast, their away form has been commanding this season. A 50-run demolition of Chennai Super Kings in Chennai, a 12-run win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, and a convincing nine-wicket triumph over Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur underline their growing confidence on the road. Their batting order, powered by Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Patidar himself, has been far more balanced and aggressive compared to last season's overdependence on the top three.

Virat Kohli remains the constant, leadership changes

The heartbeat of RCB remains the same - Virat Kohli continues to be the engine driving the side. In both seasons, he has stood tall, scoring consistently and setting the tone. But the key change lies in the leadership. With Faf du Plessis no longer part of the setup, Rajat Patidar has stepped up. His composed 51 against CSK and sharp tactical calls in the field reflect a player adjusting quickly to his leadership role.

While Faf had experience and authority in 2024, his own batting form dwindled as the season wore on. Patidar, in contrast, brings a sense of freedom and trust in youth. He also seems to have struck a better balance between captaincy duties and personal contributions.

Bowling still a work in progress

RCB's bowling unit continues to be a patchwork in progress. While names like Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood have stood up in crucial games, the overall unit still lacks the fear factor. Last season, Siraj often carried the load, but in 2025, the responsibility has been spread thin. This could be both a blessing and a concern - more depth but less firepower.

Compared to 2024, RCB's 2025 campaign is off to a far stronger and more promising start. Four wins in six, especially away from home, show resolve and adaptability. However, the haunting trend of underperforming at Chinnaswamy still clouds their playoff ambitions.

Leadership under Patidar is showing early promise, but for RCB to truly turn a corner this season, their bowling unit must find sharper teeth - especially at home.

One thing's for sure - this isn't the same RCB side from last year. But whether they've truly evolved or are merely reinventing old patterns in new colours remains to be seen.