Divya Delhi: With the race to the IPL 2025 playoffs reaching its final stages, three out of four places have been booked as May 18. One of the top teams to have impressed this season is Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who have produced one of their best campaigns in recent seasons and are now looking like strong title challengers. RCB has never suffered from lack of firepower with the bat, but what they have lacked over the last few years is a finisher who can be counted upon. All this changed this year in the mega auction when they staged a masterstroke by signing Tim David at a mere Rs 3 crore and Jitesh Sharma, the Vidarbha explosive wicketkeeper-batter, at Rs 11 crore. Both the signings have turned out to be absolute assets. RCB has traditionally relied heavily on foreign stars, with Virat Kohli being one of the rare Indian stalwarts to always receive support. This season has, though, witnessed a change in approach-a welcome one-at that-with the franchise showing more belief in home-grown talent. With the new captain Rajat Patidar, the side has displayed firm faith in home-based players. Players like Krunal Pandya, Devdutt Padikkal, and Yash Dayal have all been provided the chance to deliver in crucial situations in the tournament. This change has yielded rewards, producing a better balanced and harmonious team.