As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gear up for IPL 2025, the performances of their players in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 have provided valuable insights into potential match-winners for the upcoming season.
This article highlights three RCB players who excelled in SMAT 2024, showcasing their statistics and contributions that could play a pivotal role in RCB’s quest for their first IPL title.
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3. Jitesh Sharman
Performance Overview:
Jitesh Sharma emerged as a key player during SMAT 2024, demonstrating his prowess as a wicketkeeper-batter. His ability to anchor innings while also accelerating scoring made him a valuable asset.
- Matches Played: 6
- Runs Scored: 245
- Batting Average: 61.25
- Strike Rate: 145.23
- Highest Score: 85
Jitesh’s exceptional performance not only his batting skills but also his agility behind the stumps, makes him an integral part of RCB’s squad for IPL 2025. His inclusion adds depth to RCB’s batting lineup and enhances their wicketkeeping options, especially with his experience in high-pressure situations.
2. Rajat Patidar
Performance Overview:
Rajat Patidar showcased remarkable consistency throughout SMAT 2024, solidifying his reputation as a reliable middle-order batter for RCB.
- Matches Played: 6
- Runs Scored: 312
- Batting Average: 78.00
- Strike Rate: 135.00
- Highest Score: 102*
Patidar’s ability to convert starts into substantial scores was evident as he notched up a century and two half-centuries during the tournament. His tactical acumen and ability to rotate the strike make him an essential player in RCB’s batting strategy for IPL 2025.
1. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Performance Overview:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to form in SMAT 2024, proving why he is considered one of the best bowlers in T20 cricket. His experience and skill set are crucial for RCB’s bowling attack.
- Matches Played: 6
- Wickets Taken: 12
- Bowling Average: 15.50
- Economy Rate: 6.50
- Best Bowling Figures: 4/22
Bhuvneshwar’s ability to bowl in various phases of the game, particularly in death overs, makes him a strategic asset for RCB. His experience will be invaluable in guiding younger bowlers and executing crucial overs during tight matches.
Conclusion
The performances of Jitesh Sharma, Rajat Patidar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in SMAT 2024 underline their potential impact on RCB’s campaign in IPL 2025. With a blend of explosive batting and strategic bowling, these players could be key to breaking RCB’s title drought.
| Player | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Average | Strike Rate/Economy | Highest Score/Best Bowling |
| Jitesh Sharma | 6 | 245 | 61.25 | 145.23 | 85 |
| Rajat Patidar | 6 | 312 | 78.00 | 135.00 | 102* |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 6 | 12 Wickets | – | 6.50 | 4/22 |
As fans eagerly await the start of IPL 2025, the combination of youth and experience within RCB’s squad offers hope for a successful season ahead.
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