IPL auction prediction: Can RCB target KL Rahul, Chahal with Rs 83 crore purse?

Another auction is here, and RCB steps in with the same hope—to build a well-rounded team capable of clinching their first-ever IPL title. It has been 17 long years, and the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s quest for the coveted trophy continues. With renewed energy and optimism, RCB must craft a better strategy, as the foundation for winning an IPL trophy is often laid at the auction table. Time and again, the franchise’s loyal fans and supporters have been left disappointed by questionable decisions and picks during previous auctions. This time, the focus will be on avoiding past mistakes and assembling a balanced squad for IPL 2025. The first step towards this goal was evident in the retentions announced during the IPL 2025 retention window.

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RCB splurged Rs 37 crore to retain three players, with Virat Kohli being their top retention for RS 21 crore. Rajat Patidar followed at Rs 11 crore, while Yash Dayal, retained under the uncapped player category, was valued at Rs 4 crore. These retentions signal a strategic shift for RCB, moving away from an over-reliance on star power to strengthening their Indian core—a proven formula for success in IPL history. Kohli extended his long-standing association with the franchise, becoming the most expensive Indian retention this season.

Patidar was rewarded for his consistent performances, cementing his place in the team’s plans. With Rs 83 crore left in their purse and three RTMs available for both capped and uncapped players, RCB is poised to make crucial moves at the IPL 2025 mega auction. This will be their stepping stone toward building a squad capable of finally ending their title drought.

RCB: List of retained players

Virat Kohli - Rs 21 crore

Rajat Patidar - Rs 11 crore

Yash Dayal - Rs 4 crore

Who Can RCB retain using RTM?

Mohammed Siraj

The top candidate on RCB’s radar for using the Right to Match (RTM) option is Mohammed Siraj. A key bowler for the franchise since 2018, Siraj’s release came as a surprise to many. Over his tenure, he has taken 83 wickets in 87 IPL matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker for RCB. Retained for Rs 7 crore ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, Siraj continued to perform consistently, claiming 15 wickets in the last season. His omission from the retention list was unexpected, but RCB might look to bring him back using the RTM option, recognising his impact on the team’s bowling unit.

Glenn Maxwell

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been a pivotal player for RCB in recent seasons. Known for his explosive batting, sharp fielding, and handy off-spin, Maxwell adds versatility to the side. Purchased for Rs 14.25 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Maxwell’s association with RCB has been fruitful despite a disappointing IPL 2024 with the bat. The franchise values his contributions during the three strong seasons prior to IPL 2024, which could motivate them to use RTM to secure his services again. Maxwell himself has spoken warmly about his discussions with the RCB management after his release, indicating mutual respect and potential for reunion.

Will Jacks

England batter Will Jacks could emerge as a prime RTM candidate for RCB. Often dubbed the “successor to AB de Villiers” for his aggressive batting style, Jacks had a stellar debut season with the franchise. In IPL 2024, he scored 230 runs in eight matches, including a memorable 41-ball century against Gujarat Titans, the second-fastest hundred of the tournament. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a hot commodity for other franchises, but RCB will aim to bring him back, recognising his immense potential and value to the team.

Using the RTM option for Siraj, Maxwell, and Jacks could be key to RCB’s strategy for assembling a competitive squad for IPL 2025.

RCB’s Released Players List

Indian players: Anuj Rawat, Saurav Chauhan, Dinesh Karthik, Manoj Bhandage, Mahipal Lomror, Suyash Prabhudessai, Akash Deep, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Rajan Kumar, Himanshu Sharma, Karn Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak

RCB Possible Combination

Virat Kohli

Indian opener/ wicket-keeper

Rajat Patidar

Overseas batter

Overseas all-rounder

Indian finisher

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Indian spinner

Overseas spinner

Yash Dayal

Indian pacer

Overseas pacer

Strengthening batting

RCB will likely aim to secure the services of KL Rahul, who has been released by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Rahul could fill dual roles as a wicketkeeper and a captaincy candidate, especially with the possibility of 40-year-old Faf du Plessis not returning to the franchise. Bringing Rahul on board would mean a homecoming to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the ground where his career took off. However, retaining other key players might depend on the price RCB pays to acquire Rahul.

RCB could also look at Rachin Ravindra as an overseas batting option. The Kiwi all-rounder, known for his impressive spin bowling and batting prowess, has built a strong connection with Bengaluru. With a good track record at the Chinnaswamy, including a fifty in IPL 2024, Ravindra offers the versatility needed to strengthen the middle order.

Can Yuzvendra Chahal make a comeback?

Yuzvendra Chahal is set to enter the auction pool and is expected to spark a bidding war. A return to RCB would be nothing short of a fairytale for their former star. The highest wicket-taker in IPL history also holds the record for most wickets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Washington Sundar is another option for RCB to consider, thanks to his all-round abilities. Having played for RCB previously, Sundar could be a strong addition to their lineup.

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Spin bowling was a weak point for RCB in IPL 2024, with the team lacking experienced options in that department. To address this, RCB could target budget-friendly options like Manav Suthar, who has excelled in domestic cricket, or Swapnil Singh, previously associated with the franchise. Afghanistan spinners Noor Ahmed and Allah Ghazanfar could also bring a mystery element to strengthen the spin attack.

Revamping pace bowling

RCB’s death bowling has been a recurring concern. The franchise might look to bring back Josh Hazlewood, who played for them in IPL 2022 and 2023. If the budget permits, RCB could bid for Mitchell Starc, though the presence of another left-arm pacer in the squad might influence this decision. Nathan Ellis is another death bowling prospect which RCB could explore. The Australian speedster played only one match for Punjab Kings last season and could be on RCB's radar.

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Keeping the Indian Core Intact

RCB have to show faith in their Indian talent, including pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak, wicketkeeper Anuj Rawat, and finisher Mahipal Lomror, who had a decent outing in IPL 2024. Akash Deep, who is making waves in red-ball cricket, could be on RCB's radar for his ability to provide early breakthroughs and a pinch hitter with the bat. These players could form the backbone of the team’s future and might return without significant expenditure, providing the team with much-needed stability.

With these strategies, RCB could address critical gaps and assemble a well-rounded squad ahead of IPL 2025.

Likely playing XI after auction

Virat Kohli

KL Rahul

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

Published By: Diya Kakkar Published On: Nov 21, 2024

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