Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Auction Strategy: Potential Retentions and RTM Options

As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will strategize to retain key players and build a balanced squad under the new auction rules. With the retention and RTM (Right to Match) card system playing a crucial role, RCB’s management must carefully evaluate its 2024 squad to ensure the franchise remains competitive. Here’s an in-depth look at RCB’s potential retentions, RTM options, and auction strategy for 2025.

Potential Retentions for RCB

Considering their squad depth and auction purse limitations, RCB needs to make some tough decisions about who to retain. Here’s a breakdown of potential retentions:

1. Virat Kohli (Batter) – ₹18 Crores

Virat Kohli is a no-brainer retention for RCB. His consistency, leadership, and unmatched batting abilities make him the first player on the retention list. Despite stepping down from captaincy, Kohli remains the heartbeat of RCB’s batting order.

2. Faf du Plessis (Batter) – ₹18 Crores

Du Plessis has provided leadership stability and solid performances as a top-order Batter. His experience in both batting and captaincy makes him an invaluable asset. Retaining him would mean RCB continues to have a reliable captain who can steer the team through tough situations.

3. Cameron Green (All-rounder) – ₹14 Crores

As an all-rounder who delivers with both bat and ball, Green is a crucial player for RCB. His ability to contribute in different match situations gives RCB flexibility in their playing XI. Retaining Green would provide balance to the team, as he can perform in both powerplay and death overs.

4. Mohammed Siraj (Bowler) – ₹14 Crores

Mohammed Siraj has evolved into one of the best fast bowlers in the IPL, and retaining him is key to RCB’s bowling strength. His performance in powerplay and death overs has been exceptional, and he’s shown the ability to pick up key wickets at critical moments.

5. Glenn Maxwell (All-rounder) – ₹11 Crores

Maxwell has been an integral part of RCB’s middle order. His explosive batting and ability to contribute as a spinner make him an excellent asset. Maxwell’s match-winning capabilities, particularly in the middle overs, justify his retention despite some injury concerns.

6. Rajat Patidar (Batter, Uncapped) – ₹4 Crores

Rajat Patidar has shown immense potential, making him a key uncapped player for RCB. His ability to bat in the middle order and accelerate the scoring makes him a strong contender for retention. Patidar is a value-for-money pick, with only ₹4 crores deducted from the purse.

RTM Options for RCB

If RCB opts to retain five players (4 capped + 1 uncapped), they will have one RTM available to bring back a player from their 2024 squad. Here are two potential RTM options:

1. Anuj Rawat (Wicketkeeper-Batter)

Anuj Rawat is an exciting young wicketkeeper-batter with significant potential. With very few Indian wicketkeepers in the auction pool, RCB might use an RTM on Rawat to ensure they have a reliable domestic option behind the stumps.

2. Lockie Ferguson (Bowler)

If RCB wants to strengthen its pace attack, it could use its RTM on Lockie Ferguson. His express pace and ability to bowl in the death overs make him a valuable player. Bringing Ferguson back via RTM could provide the depth RCB needs in the bowling department.

Auction Strategy and Remaining Purse

RCB’s retention strategy will directly impact their remaining purse for the auction. Here’s a breakdown of possible scenarios:

• Retaining Six Players (5 Capped + 1 Uncapped)– If RCB retains six players, including the likes of Kohli, du Plessis, Green, Siraj, Maxwell, and Patidar, they will have ₹79 crores deducted from their total purse. This will leave RCB with ₹41 crores to spend at the auction.
• Retaining Five Players (4 Capped + 1 Uncapped)– By retaining only five players, RCB can save ₹65 crores in deductions and have ₹55 crores remaining for the auction. This would also allow them to use one RTM, potentially for a key player like Anuj Rawat or Lockie Ferguson.

Players Likely to Be Released

Given the purse constraints and the need to create balance, some players from RCB’s 2024 squad may be released back into the auction pool. Potential releases include:

1. Tom Curran: Despite his all-rounder capabilities, RCB might not prioritize Curran, given their more vital retention options.
2. Karn Sharma: As an experienced spinner, Sharma could be released if RCB focuses on adding fresh faces through the auction.
3. Saurav Chauhan and Swapnil Singh: These players could also be released as they didn’t have significant contributions in 2024.

RCB’s IPL 2025 auction strategy hinges on its ability to retain critical players while making intelligent decisions in the auction to fill gaps in the squad. With heavyweights like Kohli, du Plessis, Green, and Siraj likely to be retained, RCB can build a strong core while maintaining flexibility with their RTM cards. The auction will be crucial for them to bring in fresh talent and address areas of concern, particularly in the bowling department. All eyes will be on RCB as they aim to secure their first-ever IPL title in 2025.

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