Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Ahead of the 2025 IPL season, all teams are preparing for a significant reshuffle as the highly anticipated mega auction is set for next month. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already rolled out retention guidelines, giving each franchise the option to retain up to six players, either through direct retention or by utilizing the Right to Match (RTM) option.
This crucial process is aimed at helping teams keep key players while balancing the need for new talent ahead of the auction. October 31 is the deadline for teams to finalize their retentions, leaving franchises with tough decisions on which players to invest in for the long term.
Among the teams facing particularly challenging choices is Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). According to a report from the Times of India (TOI), the team is certain to retain its talismanic star, Virat Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise for over a decade.
Kohli’s presence as a key batter and a leader on the field makes him an irreplaceable asset for RCB. However, beyond Kohli, the franchise faces difficult questions about who else to keep in the squad, as other players’ form and fitness have become concerns.
Pace bowler Mohammed Siraj, who has been a vital part of RCB’s bowling attack, is one such player under consideration.
Despite being the spearhead of the pace department, Siraj’s recent IPL performances have been inconsistent, with his economy rate rising above 9 runs per over in two of the last three editions. While his wicket-taking abilities make him a valuable player, the management may be hesitant to retain him without considering his fluctuating form.
Another dilemma lies with Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder. Maxwell was expected to be one of RCB’s star performers, but his IPL 2024 campaign was lackluster, raising doubts about his future with the team.
Inconsistency with both bat and ball has been a recurring issue, and RCB will need to weigh the cost of keeping him in the squad.
Current captain Faf du Plessis, who has led the team in recent seasons, also finds himself in a delicate position. Despite his experience and leadership skills, Du Plessis, now 40 years old, may not be a long-term solution for the team’s captaincy role.
His age and potential declining form make it uncertain whether RCB will want to invest in him for the upcoming seasons, especially with the need to build a squad for the future.
In addition to these key players, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is another name that is unlikely to be on the retention list. Green recently underwent back surgery, which will keep him out of action for at least six months. This extended recovery period, combined with the fact that he has not yet had a major impact for RCB, makes his retention unlikely.
One more name floating around is Rajat Patidar, a middle-order batter who has shown promise in the past. However, while Patidar could provide some stability in the lineup, the franchise might hesitate to spend significant money on retaining him, especially with the opportunity to explore fresh talent in the auction.
Given the uncertain status of several key players, RCB appears set to press the reset button at the mega auction, aiming to fill vacant positions with new talent. The team will likely focus on younger players who can contribute in the long run, especially considering the upcoming seasons. This includes a particular focus on finding a long-term captain to replace Du Plessis, who may not continue in that role given his age. A captain who can lead the team for several years is crucial to building a stable, successful squad.
In addition to the need for fresh leadership, there is increasing pressure on RCB to bring in local talent. Reports suggest that government influences and local sentiments are pushing the team to include players from Karnataka in the upcoming cycle. This opens the door for the franchise to consider local stars during the auction.
One name that has emerged as a potential solution is KL Rahul. The stylish batter, who has prior experience with RCB, is seen as an ideal candidate to address multiple needs for the team. Rahul, who played for RCB from 2013 to 2016, had a standout season in 2016, scoring 397 runs at a strike rate of 146.49. His versatility as a top-order batter and his experience as a leader make him an attractive option for the franchise. Moreover, Rahul is a local Karnataka player, and his signing could appease the demand for regional representation.
Additionally, Rahul can fill the wicketkeeper role, a position that has become crucial for RCB following the retirement of veteran keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik. With Karthik no longer available, the team needs a reliable glovesman, and Rahul’s experience behind the stumps makes him an ideal fit.
However, RCB’s plans to sign Rahul depend on whether Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), his current team, decide to release him. LSG has not yet made a decision on Rahul’s future, and if they choose to release him, it is expected that the mega auction will witness an intense bidding war for the 32-year-old star. Rahul’s abilities as a batter, wicketkeeper, and leader make him one of the most sought-after players, and his availability could be a game-changer for several franchises.
For now, RCB’s management will closely monitor developments in the LSG camp while preparing for what promises to be a highly competitive and pivotal auction. The team’s future could hinge on securing the right balance of talent and leadership, especially as they aim to finally clinch an elusive IPL title in the coming seasons.