In this series, we look at possible retentions of RCB and notable exclusions.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a star-studded team, laced with a number of match-winners, especially in the batting department. They have historically had a strong batting unit, and the previous cycle was no different. They boasted a strong batting unit with most bases covered but had some holes in the bowling attack.
As they prepare for the next IPL season, they must make several key decisions and pin down their retentions and release. The retention slabs are interesting this time, so the choices should be based on players’ auction valuation. It’s worth noting that more players will be up for grabs, and they can take calculative risks.
In this article, we look at possible retentions of RCB and notable exclusions.
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli should be the most obvious and first retention choice of RCB. Kohli is a pace-hitter who can use the powerplay overs to provide a rapid start or anchor the innings. With a revamped approach, he is more proactive with his batting and has the best gears to operate through different phases.
If he comes into the auction, he will easily become the most expensive player in the league’s history. Further, his performances have been too good to ignore, even if doesn’t play this format at the highest level. His run-scoring has been prolific and also impactful in recent years.
Rajat Patidar: Rajat Patidar can be RCB’s second retention. He is a nonchalant six-hitter vs spin and an ideal batter for the middle overs. Further, his game vs pace is also ever-improving.
Patidar’s auction value will be massive, given his expertise vs spinners and fast run-scoring when the field is spread. He was also one of RCB’s best batters in the previous cycle, even without featuring in the 2023 edition. Indian spin-hitters are always in demand, and RCB might have to spend more if they release him and use RTM in the auction.
Mohammed Siraj: Mohammed Siraj might not have been as consistent as RCB would have liked but still among the best white-ball pacers in the league. He has gained vast experience over the years and might be the best pacer in the team.
He is an all-phase bowler with massive value in the powerplay. Further, his death-over skillsets are also good enough to warrant retention, especially given the lack of experienced pacers for this phase in the auction. Siraj might be the third retention.
Also Read: RCB set to make three shock releases ahead of the IPL 2025 auction
Yash Dayal: At the time of writing, Yash Dayal is uncapped, and if he doesn’t play for India till the end of the retention date, he should be an obvious pick in this category. Teams are allowed to keep two uncapped players at INR 4 crores each. Dayal provides too much value for INR 4 crores.
Firstly, he brings a left-arm angle, providing a variety to the pace attack. Further, his new-ball skillsets are strong; he makes consistent inroads and remains economical. He also bowled well in patches in the death overs, and if you have seen him bowl in this phase, you know there’s a lot of promise.
Note: If Yash Dayal becomes capped before the announcement of retained players, RCB can opt for Vijaykumar Vyshak, who also has fine attributes of a long-term option. He can be a fine enforcer in the middle overs and bowl hard lengths. However, he might come at a lower price in the auction, so it would be best to go with three retentions and leave the uncapped retention blank.
Faf du Plessis: RCB’s captain Faf du Plessis is among the most notable exclusions from the above list. The mega auction is a solitary chance to build a team for the future, and Faf doesn’t fit as a long-term investment. He is 40 and will show signs of regression sooner or later and considering him for another cycle might not be wise.
Another thing is that his auction value might be less, and all teams might be aware of his ageing reflexes. So, RCB can let him come into the auction, and if his price is significantly low, they can use RTM or bid for him. That would ensure they don’t overpay him, and if possible, also save a retention or RTM slot.
Will Jacks: Will Jacks has been excluded for multiple reasons. Suppose Kohli, Patidar, and Siraj are the first three retentions, so for the fourth slot, RCB will have to pay INR 18 crores and INR 14 crores for the fifth slot again. Jacks is a good player and can fetch a high amount, but he might not go around the retention slab.
The mega auction has several quality spin-bowling all-rounders, and the Impact Player rule will shrink his bowling value massively. So, Jacks price will reduce automatically. Even if RCB don’t retain him, they can use RTM if they feel his price is below or somewhere around the retention slab.
Cameron Green: Like Will Jacks, Cameron Green might also not fetch an exaggeratingly high amount in this IPL auction. His value was high last time due to a lower player pool in the mini-auction. So, teams were desperate for a quality batter who could be flexible with his batting position and give a couple of overs with the ball in the middle phase.
Again, his price might not surge equal to the retention slab, and RCB can use RTM to get him back. Multiple RTMs will provide RCB flexibility and the player’s auction price assessment, which would play a key role in determining whether they should use it on him or any other player. A few quality options will also be available to pick from the pool during the auction if they can’t get Green back for any reason.
Glenn Maxwell: Glenn Maxwell is another big name RCB should release before the auction. First of all, RCB have a better investment than Maxwell available in the form of Jacks. Unlike Maxwell, the latter provides long-term value and will improve with time.
RCB already have a spin-hitter in Patidar, and if they get Jacks, they will also have a decent off-spinner to use for countering matchups. Further, Maxwell’s recent form hasn’t been convincing, and he endured a tough last season with the willow. With his expertise on the wane, he will definitely not get a big deal from the auction, which means exhausting INR 14 or 18 crores on him won’t be a good investment.
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