Royal Challengers Bengaluru Retain Virat Kohli and Two Talented Indians

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has finalized its retentions for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, selecting a mix of experience and young Indian talent to build a promising core. RCB’s confirmed retained players include the legendary Virat Kohli, the talented Rajat Patidar, and the emerging pace prospect Yash Dayal.

This carefully curated retention list aims to balance RCB’s batting strength with Dayal’s bowling potential. However, some notable players, including fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, didn’t make the cut, signaling a strategic shift as RCB looks forward to the 2025 auction.

Kohli is the highest paid player with 21 crores for him while Patidar gets 11 crores. The uncapped Yash Dayal gets 5 crores.

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Here’s an in-depth look at the three players RCB has retained and the strategy they’ve embraced for this season.

Investment in Experience and Youth

1. Virat Kohli  

The first and most expected retention, Virat Kohli will continue with RCB, bringing his unmatched passion and leadership qualities. Kohli has remained a central figure in RCB’s lineup since the franchise’s early days and continues to be a fan favorite. Known for his powerful performances in the powerplay, Kohli can adapt his game as needed to set a strong foundation or build innings through the middle overs.

With a renewed approach in recent seasons, Kohli has been more proactive in his batting, taking calculated risks that benefit the team. His leadership, as both a player and potential future captain, which has also been reported, will be key in uniting the squad. RCB fans are thrilled to see Kohli remain as the franchise’s iconic figure, as he pursues the long-awaited IPL title.

2.  Rajat Patidar  

Another retention that brings immense value to RCB’s middle order is Rajat Patidar. Known for his prowess against spin and consistent strike rate in the middle overs, Patidar’s batting style complements Kohli’s top-order strengths. His ability to switch gears and hit sixes effortlessly makes him a valuable asset, especially as a player capable of accelerating in crucial moments.

Patidar’s retention highlights RCB’s long-term vision of nurturing Indian talent that can consistently perform in high-pressure games. His versatility against both pace and spin adds balance to the lineup, ensuring that RCB can take on any bowling attack. With his strong recent form, Patidar is expected to be one of the pivotal players in RCB’s pursuit of their first IPL championship.

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3. Yash Dayal  

Yash Dayal, a promising left-arm seamer, completes RCB’s retention list as their uncapped player. Although Dayal has yet to play for the national team, his skillset brings a new dimension to RCB’s bowling attack. Known for his economy in the powerplay and effectiveness with the new ball, Dayal offers the left-arm variety that RCB has been lacking in recent years.

Dayal’s ability to make early inroads in the innings and keep the opposition’s score under control has been crucial in his domestic and IPL performances. While his experience in the death overs is still evolving, RCB’s investment in him reflects their confidence in his potential to develop into a reliable all-phase bowler.

Focus on Building a Core for the Future

The three retained players are a mix of experience, batting strength, and bowling diversity that RCB aims to solidify further during the IPL 2025 auction.

By retaining these players, RCB has left itself significant financial flexibility for the auction, where they can focus on strengthening their pace attack and finding quality all-rounders and international options.

This decision also allows RCB to leverage a Right to Match (RTM) card strategically during the auction if needed, providing a potential opportunity to bring back seasoned bowlers like Siraj or an all-rounder like Will Jacks if his auction price is favorable. RCB have 83 crores left in the purse for the auction to go big.

RCB Retained Player List

Notable Exclusions and Strategic Implications

1. Mohammed Siraj  

One of the most surprising names missing from RCB’s retention list is Mohammed Siraj. Known for his effectiveness in the powerplay and his ability to take wickets with the new ball, Siraj’s exclusion is a calculated move likely motivated by RCB’s intent to keep a flexible budget for the auction. By not retaining Siraj, RCB can consider bringing him back at a reduced price if his auction value aligns with their spending strategy. 

2. Faf du Plessis  

Another notable exclusion is Faf du Plessis, who captained RCB in the previous season. While his experience was valuable, his age may have led RCB to focus on building a younger team for the future. If RCB still sees value in du Plessis as a player, they can look to bid for him in the auction if his price suits their budget.

3. Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green  

Given the focus on developing a younger, Indian-centric team, RCB has chosen to release Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green as well. With Maxwell’s form inconsistent in recent seasons, the team is likely considering alternatives to add both stability and flexibility in the all-rounder position. Similarly, Green’s injury meant that RCB’s vision of a reliable squad could have been hit if they had retained him.

A Look Ahead: RCB Building Around the Core  

With Kohli, Patidar, and Dayal in place, RCB’s retention strategy sets a clear direction for the future. They now have the freedom to invest in key areas and explore multiple options, including international players, versatile all-rounders, and experienced bowlers. But again, as always, it will come down to the auction to see if RCB build around their superstar Virat Kohli.