RCB Retention List 2025 | IPL 2025 Retention Players List Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probability and Mega Auction Strategy

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have always been a franchise full of star players but have struggled to secure their first IPL title. As the team looks forward to IPL 2025, new coaching staff led by Mo Bobat as Director of Cricket and Andy Flower as Head Coach will aim to refine RCB’s retention strategy and approach to the mega auction. Supported by Dinesh Karthik as Batting Coach and Mentor, along with assistant coaches Adam Griffith and Neil McKenzie, RCB's management is focused on building a balanced squad capable of breaking their IPL trophy drought. The addition of Malolan Rangarajan as Spin Bowling Coach and Player Identification Manager will further aid the team's scouting and talent development efforts.

This article explores RCB’s retention possibilities, RTM options, key auction targets, emerging players, and a recap of their auction history.

Since its inception in 2008, Royal Challengers Bangalore has built a reputation as one of the IPL's most powerful teams, often boasting explosive batting lineups. Players like Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell have been pivotal in their success over the years. Despite reaching the playoffs multiple times and finishing as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016, RCB has yet to claim the elusive IPL title. The franchise's struggles often stem from inconsistency in their bowling attack and lack of middle-order depth.

RCB has historically been known for making bold decisions at the IPL auction, often going after marquee players. In recent years, the franchise has shifted toward a more balanced approach, focusing on both power hitters and quality bowlers. Their recent purchase of Cameron Green (₹17.50 crore) in a trade from Mumbai Indians highlights their strategy of acquiring multi-dimensional players who can contribute with both bat and ball. In previous auctions, they have spent significantly on players like Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, and Alzarri Joseph, emphasizing a mix of international stars and local talent.

Core Retentions for IPL 2025

RCB is expected to retain several key players who have been instrumental to their success. Here are the likely retentions:

1. Virat Kohli

   • Virat Kohli, a modern-day legend, continues to be RCB’s talisman in the batting lineup. Even after stepping down from captaincy, Kohli’s form has remained consistent, and his IPL and international performances make him the backbone of the team. Kohli’s ability to anchor innings and provide firepower in the top order will be crucial for RCB’s title aspirations in 2025.

2. Faf du Plessis

   • The veteran South African opener has provided stability at the top, often building partnerships and playing the anchor role. His vast T20 experience and leadership skills make him an important retention for RCB as they continue to rely on his consistency and tactical acumen in the 2025 season.

3. Mohammed Siraj

   • Over the last few seasons, Mohammed Siraj has emerged as RCB’s pace spearhead, consistently delivering breakthroughs with his swing and pace. Whether in the powerplay or death overs, Siraj’s IPL and international form make him one of the top Indian pacers, and a vital retention for RCB in 2025.

4. Cameron Green

   • The explosive Australian all-rounder was acquired from Mumbai Indians in 2024 and has since become a key player for RCB. Cameron Green offers firepower with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset for RCB’s middle order and bowling attack in IPL 2025.

Right to Match (RTM) Options

RCB will likely exercise their RTM card for a few key players who can add depth to their squad:

1. Will Jacks

   • The dynamic English batter and part-time off-spinner impressed with his performances in IPL 2024. His ability to play explosive innings and contribute with the ball makes him an excellent candidate for RCB to retain using RTM.

2. Yash Dayal

   • Yash Dayal has risen as a promising young Indian left-arm pacer, known for his ability to pick up key wickets and deliver economical overs. With his growing presence in domestic and IPL cricket, RCB may use their RTM card to strengthen their bowling attack.

Key Auction Targets from Other Franchises

In addition to their core retentions, RCB will likely target key players from other franchises to fill gaps in their squad:

1. Sai Sudharsan (from Gujarat Titans)

   • The young batting sensation Sai Sudharsan had a breakout season with Gujarat Titans in 2024, making crucial contributions in the middle order. His ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed makes him an ideal target for RCB to bolster their middle-order batting lineup.

2. Arshdeep Singh (from Punjab Kings)

   • Known for his ability to bowl at the death and maintain tight lines, Arshdeep Singh has become one of India’s most reliable T20 bowlers. His inclusion would significantly strengthen RCB’s pace attack, complementing Siraj and Alzarri Joseph.

Foreign Players RCB May Target

RCB is known for bringing in high-impact foreign players, and these names could further boost their squad:

1. Trent Boult (from New Zealand)

   • The Kiwi left-arm pacer has a proven track record in the IPL, particularly with his ability to swing the new ball and pick wickets in the powerplay. Trent Boult would add a much-needed left-arm dimension to RCB’s pace attack, offering both experience and potency.

2. Dewald Brevis (from South Africa)

   • Nicknamed “Baby AB,” Dewald Brevis has shown glimpses of brilliance in T20 leagues across the globe. His aggressive batting and ability to hit big make him a valuable target for RCB, especially to support their middle-order power-hitting.

Emerging Players RCB May Target

RCB has consistently invested in emerging talent, and these players could become long-term assets:

1. Noor Ahmad (from Gujarat Titans)

   • Noor Ahmad, the Afghan left-arm wrist-spinner, impressed in IPL 2024 with his ability to turn the ball and deceive batsmen. RCB could target him to strengthen their spin department, providing another option alongside Karn Sharma.

2. Harshit Rana (from Kolkata Knight Riders)

   • The young fast bowler Harshit Rana has shown great potential with his pace and ability to bowl in challenging situations. His raw talent could be nurtured under RCB’s guidance, adding depth to their pace unit.

Complete Expected Squad for IPL 2025

Here’s an updated RCB squad for IPL 2025, based on retentions, RTM options, and key auction targets:

Top Order:

• Virat Kohli
• Faf du Plessis (RTM)
• Will Jacks

Middle Order and All-Rounders:

• Cameron Green
• Glenn Maxwell
• Sai Sudharsan (Auction Target)
• Dewald Brevis (Auction Target)

Pace Attack:

• Mohammed Siraj
• Trent Bout
• Arshdeep Singh (Auction Target)
• Yash Dayal (RTM)
• Harshit Rana

Spin Department:

• Karn Sharma
• Noor Ahmad (Auction Target)

In recent IPL seasons, RCB's bowling unit has often been seen as their weak link, frequently struggling in crucial moments. To rectify this, RCB is expected to prioritize building a formidable bowling attack in IPL 2025. Retaining pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj and adding players like Arshdeep Singh and Trent Boult would address their death-over bowling concerns. Combining these experienced pacers with emerging talents like Yash Dayal would give RCB a balanced bowling unit capable of handling pressure situations.

Over the years, Virat Kohli has been the face of RCB, consistently delivering stellar performances. As Kohli continues his long association with the franchise, the team will be searching for additional consistent run-scorers to support him. While Kohli has led the way with his remarkable IPL and international records, players like Sai Sudharsan and Dewald Brevis could provide the much-needed consistency in the top and middle order, forming a strong batting core around their talisman.

There is strong speculation that KL Rahul could be on his way back to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Reports suggest that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are likely to release Rahul ahead of the auction due to concerns about his strike rate and fit with the team's evolving strategy.

Rahul, who made his IPL debut with RCB back in 2013, is a Karnataka native and enjoyed success with the franchise during his stint from 2013 to 2016. With RCB potentially looking for a long-term solution at the top of the order or even as a captain, Rahul's return would not only bring a proven IPL performer back into the fold but also strengthen the team's core batting lineup alongside Virat Kohli. The reunion would be seen as a "homecoming" for Rahul, with fans eager for the local star to rejoin the Bengaluru-based franchise.

If RCB successfully secures KL Rahul during the IPL 2025 auction, they will add a consistent run-scorer who has excelled across multiple franchises. His ability to anchor innings and play match-defining knocks could help address RCB's quest for consistent top-order performance.

For IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore is focusing on building a well-rounded squad by retaining their core players and addressing key gaps in both the batting and bowling departments. With retentions like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammed Siraj, combined with auction targets such as Dewald Brevis, Trent Boult, and Sai Sudharsan, RCB is poised to create a squad capable of competing for their elusive first IPL title.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL 2024 Squad:

1. Cameron Green – ₹17.50 crore (Traded from Mumbai Indians)
2. Virat Kohli – ₹15.00 crore
3. Alzarri Joseph – ₹11.50 crore
4. Glenn Maxwell – ₹11.00 crore
5. Mohammed Siraj – ₹7.00 crore
6. Faf du Plessis – ₹7.00 crore
7. Dinesh Karthik – ₹5.50 crore
8. Yash Dayal – ₹5.00 crore
9. Anuj Rawat – ₹3.40 crore
10. Will Jacks – ₹3.20 crore
11. Lockie Ferguson – ₹2.00 crore
12. Reece Topley – ₹1.90 crore
13. Mayank Dagar – ₹1.80 crore
14. Tom Curran – ₹1.50 crore
15. Mahipal Lomror – ₹0.95 crore
16. Rajan Kumar – ₹0.70 crore
17. Karn Sharma – ₹0.50 crore
18. Suyash Prabhudessai – ₹0.30 crore
19. Vyshak Vijay Kumar – ₹0.20 crore
20. Akash Deep – ₹0.20 crore
21. Manoj Bhandage – ₹0.20 crore
22. Rajat Patidar – ₹0.20 crore
23. Himanshu Sharma – ₹0.20 crore
24. Swapnil Singh – ₹0.20 crore