Andy Flower drops huge hint on Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s likely opening pair for IPL 2025

Former England coach Andy Flower is set to take charge of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The Bengaluru-based outfit are yet to win the IPL title and have made a list of huge purchases during the auctions that were held in November. After the departure of Faf Du Plessis, fans are speculating the opening pair for the side. 

During his chat with Sports Tak, Andy Flower said, “If you look at the potential line-up, Phil Salt, who is known for his aggressive opening prowess, could partner with Virat Kohli at the top." Phil Salt opened for Kolkata Knight Riders during the IPL 2024 season that saw KKR win the title for the first time in a decade. 

Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has had a great record while opening the batting. In the 113 innings that Kohli has opened, he has scored 4352 with an average of 45 and a strike rate of 138. The former RCB skipper has also hit eight centuries and 31 fifties at the top of the order. 

Andy Flower makes huge statement on coming season of IPL

During his chat with Sports Tak, head coach Andy Flower was asked what RCB were looking at during the auctions in November. The former Zimbabwean said, “There were two really obvious areas that we felt needed addressing, and we have selected batters with a lot of power.”

The former legendary batter, during his chat with Sports Tak, stressed the importance Rajat Patidar will play. “And then lower down the order we have Rajat Patidar, who was sensational for us last season. He’s been in great form in domestic cricket as well and Liam Livingstone as well,” Flower said 

When speaking about the upcoming season, Flower said, “Well, you’re going to have to wait for the outcome. It’s a new era that we are going into, the start of a three-year cycle, and I’m sure the anticipation will be good for you."

Finally, when asked if Virat Kohli was set to be the captain of the side for the coming season, RCB’s head coach said, “You can ask me as often as you like, but that communication has not happened yet."