RCB’s Potential Retentions: Kohli, Siraj, and Du Plessis Among Top Picks
As the deadline approaches for Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises to finalize their player retention lists, excitement is building ahead of the upcoming mega auction. With just three days left until the October 31 deadline, all ten teams, including the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are preparing to announce their retained players.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has set specific guidelines for player retention. Each franchise can retain up to six players, which can include a combination of capped and uncapped players. Specifically, teams are allowed a maximum of five capped players, whether Indian or overseas, and up to two uncapped players. This new rule is significant as it also states that a capped Indian player who has not played in the national team for five years will be classified as uncapped.
The auction purse for IPL 2025 has been increased to ₹120 crore, up from ₹110 crore in 2024, giving teams more financial flexibility to build competitive squads. The salary cap will continue to rise in subsequent years, reaching ₹151 crore in 2026 and ₹157 crore in 2027, which indicates the league’s ongoing growth and increasing financial clout.
RCB, yet to secure their first IPL title, is focusing on retaining key players ahead of the mega auction. The franchise experienced a tumultuous 2024 season, struggling initially but bouncing back to qualify for the playoffs. Key players that RCB should consider retaining include:
- Virat Kohli: A cornerstone of RCB since the league’s inception, Kohli was the Orange Cap winner last season, scoring 741 runs. His leadership and batting prowess make him an indispensable asset.
- Mohammed Siraj: Known for his match-winning capabilities, Siraj’s performance has been stellar for both RCB and the Indian national team, making him a priority retention.
- Faf du Plessis: The current captain has proven his value in T20 leagues worldwide. Despite being 40, his experience and batting skill remain crucial for RCB’s ambitions.
- Glenn Maxwell: Although Maxwell had a below-par season in 2024, his potential to deliver explosive performances means RCB should retain him, hoping for a resurgence.
- Rajat Patidar: His middle-order stability and ability to accelerate scoring make Patidar a valuable player to keep in the squad.
- Yash Dayal (uncapped): The left-arm bowler has shown promise and is now a key death-over specialist, making him a strong candidate for retention.
With these potential retentions, RCB aims to build a squad that can finally capture the elusive IPL title.
