The excitement for the IPL 2025 auction is already sky-high, and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is taking early steps to build a championship-winning squad. The Bengaluru-based franchise has retained Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal ahead of the auction, sending a clear signal that they are ready to go all-in this season. With Kohli set to lead the team once again, RCB fans can look forward to a blend of experience and emerging talent in the squad.
Here’s everything you need to know about RCB’s strategy, their retained players, and the stars they’re targeting in the IPL 2025 auction.
Virat Kohli: The Heart and Soul of RCB
When you think of RCB, one name immediately comes to mind—Virat Kohli. The former Indian captain and one of the most prolific batsmen in IPL history remains the cornerstone of RCB’s plans. Kohli has been a loyal RCBian since the inaugural IPL season in 2008 and continues to lead the franchise with passion and determination.
In the 2024 season, Kohli was in phenomenal form, scoring 690 runs at an impressive average of 49.29, including three centuries. With Kohli at the helm, RCB aims to break their title drought in 2025.
Rajat Patidar: A Middle-Order Marvel
Rajat Patidar’s explosive batting in the middle order has made him an indispensable part of RCB’s lineup. Known for his fearless approach and ability to anchor the innings, Patidar was a standout performer in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Patidar’s century in the 2022 Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants is still fresh in fans’ minds, and his consistency promises to provide RCB with much-needed stability in the middle order.
Yash Dayal: The Rising Star in Bowling
Among the retained trio, Yash Dayal represents RCB’s investment in youth. The left-arm pacer has shown glimpses of brilliance in his IPL outings, and his ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death makes him a valuable asset.
Dayal is expected to play a key role in the bowling attack alongside the potential new additions RCB may target in the auction.
RCB’s Auction Targets: Building a Championship-Winning Squad
RCB has retained a core group of players, but they still need to plug some gaps to assemble a well-rounded team. Let’s look at the key players they might target in the IPL 2025 auction:
- Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand)
The young Kiwi all-rounder has been turning heads with his performances in international cricket. Rachin’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an ideal fit for RCB’s middle order and spinning options. - Yuzvendra Chahal (India)
A fan favorite and former RCB star, Chahal’s return to the franchise could be a dream come true for fans. His experience and wicket-taking abilities in the middle overs could provide RCB with the edge they need in the bowling department. - KL Rahul (India)
The dynamic opener and wicketkeeper could form a lethal partnership with Kohli at the top of the order. Adding Rahul to the squad would significantly bolster RCB’s batting lineup. - Mohammed Shami (India)
Shami’s experience and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations make him a prime target for RCB. His inclusion could elevate the team’s pace attack to one of the best in the tournament. - Mitchell Starc (Australia)
RCB has long been searching for a world-class left-arm pacer, and Starc fits the bill perfectly. His ability to swing the new ball and execute pinpoint yorkers at the death could be a game-changer.
RCB’s Auction Strategy
With a healthy auction purse of ₹83 crores, RCB is well-positioned to make aggressive bids for marquee players. The franchise is expected to focus on:
- Strengthening the middle order with versatile all-rounders.
- Adding a world-class spinner to complement their pacers.
- Securing reliable death bowlers to avoid leaking runs in crunch situations.
| Player | Role | Auction Price (₹ Crores) |
| Virat Kohli | Batter (Captain) | 21 |
| Rajat Patidar | Batter | 11 |
| Yash Dayal | Bowler | 5 |
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