With the Indian Premier League 2025 playoffs looming, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Sanjay Bangar has weighed in with bold suggestions for a revamped team composition ahead of their high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Speaking on a Star Sports panel, Bangar called for the exclusion of England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who has had a dismal season by his standards. “Livingstone, who is playing as an overseas batter, is not scoring runs. So, make your bowling totally strong,” Bangar advised, underlining RCB’s need for greater firepower in the bowling department.
Livingstone, bought for a hefty INR 8.75 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, has managed only 87 runs and two wickets across eight matches — a return that has failed to justify the franchise’s investment.
Bangar proposed that Sri Lankan speedster Nuwan Thushara should replace Livingstone. Thushara impressed in his debut for RCB, picking up a wicket and conceding just 26 runs in four overs during a vital win over the Lucknow Super Giants. “Play Thushara in place of Livingstone. Then the bowling will become incredible,” Bangar stated.
Additionally, he recommended swapping out Caribbean all-rounder Romario Shepherd, who went for 51 runs in his last outing, for Australian power-hitter Tim David — provided David recovers from the injury that kept him out of RCB’s most recent match. “Then Phil Salt, Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for Romario Shepherd. I feel that combination can be made,” Bangar suggested.
RCB’s upcoming challenge is formidable. They face a confident Punjab Kings squad that has been a scoring machine this season. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS have breached the 200-run mark seven times during the league stage. “The Punjab team is against them and Punjab have crossed 200 runs six or seven times this season,” Bangar cautioned.
Despite both teams ending the league phase with identical records — nine wins in 14 matches — PBKS finished higher on the table thanks to a superior net run rate (+0.372) compared to RCB’s (+0.301). The crucial encounter to decide the first finalist of IPL 2025 will take place in Mullanpur on May 29.
With Bangar’s insights placing the spotlight on strategic changes and form concerns, all eyes will be on RCB’s final playing XI and whether they act on their former coach’s timely advice.
