RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign holds a glimmer of hope for fans as the team attempts to overcome past auction missteps and build a balanced squad capable of finally clinching the elusive trophy. Here’s an analysis of their current strategy and projected team composition:
RCB’s Retention Strategy
RCB has focused on retaining key Indian players while maintaining a substantial auction purse:
- Virat Kohli (₹21 Cr): The backbone of RCB, Kohli’s retention is unsurprising given his loyalty and impact.
- Rajat Patidar (₹11 Cr): Rewarded for his consistent performances, especially in the middle order.
- Yash Dayal (₹4 Cr): A promising uncapped pacer with death-bowling potential.
RTM (Right to Match) Candidates
- Mohammed Siraj:
- His exclusion from the retention list raised eyebrows. Siraj has been instrumental in RCB’s bowling setup, and using RTM for him seems highly probable.
- Glenn Maxwell:
- Despite a lean 2024, Maxwell’s versatility and match-winning capabilities make him a likely RTM target.
- Will Jacks:
- A rising star for RCB, Jacks’ explosive batting and adaptability could justify using RTM.
Auction Targets
Indian Core Reinforcement:
- KL Rahul:
- Rahul could fill the dual roles of a dependable top-order batter and wicketkeeper. His experience as captaincy material is a bonus if Faf du Plessis doesn’t return.
- Yuzvendra Chahal:
- A fan favorite and the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal’s return would address RCB’s spin-bowling woes.
- Washington Sundar:
- His all-round skills would provide depth to both batting and bowling departments.
Overseas Options:
- Rachin Ravindra:
- Ravindra’s impressive performances with bat and ball make him an ideal middle-order candidate.
- Josh Hazlewood:
- A proven performer for RCB in previous seasons, Hazlewood could bolster their death-bowling lineup.
- Mitchell Starc:
- If budget permits, Starc could bring his lethal left-arm pace to complement Yash Dayal.
- Noor Ahmed/Allah Ghazanfar:
- Mystery spin options who could thrive at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Revamping Problem Areas
1. Spin Department:
- With underwhelming spin options in IPL 2024, RCB needs experienced spinners. Re-signing Chahal or adding Afghan talents like Noor Ahmed could be pivotal.
2. Death Bowling:
- RCB must prioritize reliable death bowlers. Siraj, Hazlewood, and potentially Starc or Nathan Ellis could address this.
3. Finishing Touch:
- Indian finishers like Mahipal Lomror or newcomers with potential like Abhinav Manohar could step into lower-order roles.
Projected Playing XI (Post-Auction):
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Rajat Patidar
- Will Jacks
- Glenn Maxwell/Rachin Ravindra
- Mahipal Lomror/Abhinav Manohar
- Yuzvendra Chahal/Washington Sundar
- Noor Ahmed/Allah Ghazanfar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yash Dayal
- Josh Hazlewood/Nathan Ellis
Challenges Ahead
- Balancing the auction purse to secure high-value players like Rahul and Starc.
- Addressing concerns over consistency and team chemistry, which have often plagued RCB.
- Building a strong Indian core while maximizing RTM options effectively.
If RCB executes their auction strategy wisely, they could assemble a squad capable of breaking their 17-year title drought. Fans will be eager to see if this year’s changes lead to long-awaited glory.
