RCB revamps its squad ahead of IPL 2025 with only Virat Kohli retained. Read about their bold move, auction strategy, and potential new signings here.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, known for the fervent fan love but lack of that elusive IPL title, are all set to thrill fans ahead of the 2025 IPL season. RCB has been willing to take a bold move and given clear signals of major changes to the squad in relentless pursuit of that coveted championship. Reports say that for the new season, Virat Kohli is going to be the only retained player by the franchise. And the rest of the team going to be relinquished.
Virat Kohli: The Lone Warrior Of RCB
Virat Kohli has been the epitome of RCB right since their inception. Not surprisingly, Kohli is at the very top of the list when it comes to retaining players in the part of the management. For this is one player who has made an unparalleled contribution to the team all through the years. The former RCB skipper has made it the first time any player in the history of IPL has crossed 7,000 runs, something he achieved in 233 matches. Kohli has been a beacon of consistency with the bat, and an understandable decision from the management of RCB to retain him at ₹18 crores. He is still the foundation of the team who enters another season with his battiung main strength.
Bold Revamp by RCB: Worth the Risk?
While signing Kohli is a no-brainer, the news that the rest players such as Mohammed Siraj and Faf du Plessis are being released to the market has sent the cricketing world into a tizzy. The total makeover signifies the intent of RCB in constructing new core from whom they can break their jinx in the IPL.
Among others, Siraj was glaringly missing from the retention list of RCB. But RCB is likely to use their RTM card to get the Indian pacer back in case he is available at a reasonable price in IPL 2025 Mega Auction. If there was a reason for Siraj to call his loved ones from the field during a game, it was for his accuracy and brute force with the ball. The less said about the departure of Siraj, the better.
Faf du Plessis: A Veteran's Exit?
Now, with regards to RCB's skipper for the past few seasons, Faf du Plessis at 39, it's highly unlikely he will be retained due to his age and the hefty salary cap that he commands. Though RCB has done good with him at the batsman position, the management might actually want to free up some budget for some of the young dynamic players. However, there is also a possibility for Faf to come in through the RTM card due to his experience and leadership skills that have been invaluable for the team so far.
The Stars to be chopped Overseas stars Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green will also not be retained after the underwhelming performances of last season. While Glenn Maxwell has shown glimpses of brilliance, a lot of inconsistency has jinxed him for the team. Cameron Green is another major buy through whom they failed to do much for IPL 2024, and the RCB will look for fresh faces in the auction for its overseas contingent.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction: The Financial Muscle Of RCB
With the only player retained player being Virat Kohli, RCB will enter the IPL 2025 Mega Auction with a massive ₹102 crore in their transfer purse, out of the total ₹120 crore. This leaves them in a very potent place to bid for top talent and give themselves a different shape. Fans and analysts are speculating on the potential signings for the franchise, and it is no surprise that big names like KL Rahul have been linked with the franchise.
Strategically, it appears that RCB draws a clear distinction: build a new, young, dynamic team around the existing stalwart, Virat Kohli, and utilise the mega auction to plug some gaping holes into the existing bowling and middle-order batting departments. In this flurry of new blood, coupled with the solidity and maturity of Kohli, maybe RCB will finally bring that elusive title they have longed for in the IPL.
So, what are the things that fans can expect?
But for the die-hard fans of RCB, eyes will be keenly open for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Major player releases might come across as a gamble, but the big budget means RCB can aggressively pursue top performers. And if all the pieces fall into place, this revamped squad may be the breakthrough team in 2025.
While the team had been inconsistent of late, this massive overhaul of the squad would signal that RCB does not shy away when it comes to taking tough decisions while chasing glory. Whether it will pay off for them remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the IPL 2025 season is bound to be a historic chapter for RCB.
