Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is once again gearing up for the IPL 2025 season, with a keen focus on finally clinching their first IPL title. As part of their strategy, RCB has made some interesting retention choices, holding on to just three players ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction. The IPL 2025 Retained Players List has already been revealed, and while RCB has retained the experienced Virat Kohli, the dynamic Rajat Patidar, and the promising uncapped talent Yash Dayal, they’ve left room for potential reinforcements at the auction.
With only three players retained, RCB will now look to bolster their squad further by utilizing their Right to Match (RTM) cards during the auction. According to IPL retention rules, teams are allowed to use up to three RTMs, which they can apply to re-sign players already released back into the auction pool. With a balanced mix of experience and youthful promise, RCB will be aiming to target players who can provide that extra edge to secure the elusive IPL trophy.
Here’s a closer look at three players RCB could use their RTM card on during the IPL 2025 auction:
1. Mohammed Siraj: A Key Player for RCB’s Bowling Attack
Mohammed Siraj has been a vital part of RCB’s bowling attack since 2018, and the team could use an RTM card to bring him back after his release. Despite his high economy rate of 9.19 in IPL 2024, Siraj’s wicket-taking ability, especially with the new ball, makes him a valuable asset for any T20 team. Last season, he managed to take 15 wickets in 14 matches, showing his ability to strike at crucial moments.
What makes Siraj even more attractive to RCB is his improvement in death bowling. With his ability to bowl under pressure and his effectiveness in the Powerplay, Siraj could help RCB in critical match situations, especially in the back end of the innings. Given RCB’s reliance on a strong bowling unit, it’s likely that they will use one of their RTM cards to secure his services once again for the IPL 2025 season.
2. Glenn Maxwell: A Match-Winner With All-Round Abilities
Despite a disappointing IPL 2024, where Glenn Maxwell struggled to make an impact, managing just 52 runs in 10 matches, he remains one of the most dangerous all-rounders in global T20 cricket. Known for his explosive batting and handy off-spin bowling, Maxwell’s potential to turn a match in a matter of overs is unmatched. RCB will likely keep him on their radar during the IPL 2025 auction.
Maxwell’s all-round abilities are crucial in T20 cricket. His batting strength, combined with his ability to provide key breakthroughs with the ball, makes him a well-rounded player who can adapt to a variety of match situations. While his form in IPL 2024 wasn’t ideal, his consistency in international cricket and previous IPL seasons suggests that RCB could use one of their RTMs to bring him back into the fold. A strong IPL season from Maxwell could very well tip the balance in RCB’s favor, and they will likely be keen to reintegrate him into their squad.
3. Will Jacks: The Explosive England All-Rounder
One of the standout performers for RCB in IPL 2024, Will Jacks could be another player RCB targets using their RTM card. Jacks made an immediate impact in his debut season, scoring 230 runs at a blistering strike rate of 175.57 in just 8 matches. His ability to take on both pacers and spinners with ease, coupled with his handy off-spin bowling, made him an invaluable player for RCB.
Jacks is known for his fearless approach to batting and his capacity to hit boundaries from the get-go. His 41-ball century against Gujarat Titans was a testament to his destructive potential. RCB, which is always on the lookout for aggressive top-order batters, will likely see Jacks as a crucial cog in their lineup moving forward. If RCB decides to use one of their RTM cards on Jacks, they will be securing a power-hitter who can provide the team with both aggression and consistency at the top of the order.
RCB’s Strategic Approach to Retaining Players and Using RTMs
RCB’s decision to retain just three players in the IPL Retained Players List – Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal – leaves them with a significant amount of room to improve their squad at the auction. While Kohli remains the backbone of RCB’s batting, Patidar has shown that he has the potential to play a key role in the middle order, and Dayal provides the team with flexibility in the bowling department. By retaining Dayal as an uncapped player, RCB has left themselves the option to use two RTMs on capped players and one RTM on an uncapped player, giving them a wide range of possibilities.
The IPL 2025 auction will be crucial for RCB’s title aspirations. While retaining key players provides them with a solid foundation, their auction strategy will be critical in strengthening their squad. Whether it’s bringing back experienced players like Siraj and Maxwell or adding fresh faces to the squad, RCB will be hoping to build a balanced team that can challenge for the IPL 2025 title.
What to Expect at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction
With the IPL 2025 Retained Players List now finalized, RCB’s use of their RTM cards will be an exciting part of the auction proceedings. There will undoubtedly be intense bidding wars for key players, but RCB’s ability to strategically use their RTMs will provide them with an edge. After falling short in the previous seasons, RCB will be looking to strengthen their squad with a mix of explosive batsmen, reliable all-rounders, and potent bowlers to give them the best chance at lifting the coveted IPL trophy.
As the auction approaches, RCB fans will be eagerly waiting to see which players join the ranks of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, and whether they can finally break their IPL title drought in 2025.
This article delves into the IPL 2025 Retained Players List and offers insights into the potential RTM options for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, analyzing their key targets and auction strategy.
