Royal Challengers Bengaluru : (RCB) franchise is gearing up for the 2025 IPL season with an almost entirely fresh slate. Ahead of this year’s IPL Mega Auction, RCB has made a surprising choice, retaining only three players—fewer than any other team except Punjab Kings. This move hints at a potential strategic shift within the franchise, as they attempt to craft a team with renewed energy and a clear direction. As part of this limited retention, RCB has retained one veteran star alongside two promising young players, indicating a mix of experience and emerging talent. Here’s a closer look at the players they chose to keep and what it could mean for the team’s future.
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Key Retention Choices
RCB’s decision to hold on to just three players, particularly at a time when other franchises are focusing on building a larger core, suggests they are focused on reshaping their team identity. By retaining only three players, RCB also enters the auction with a substantial budget, which could give them the flexibility to make bold acquisitions. Below is a breakdown of RCB’s retained players and their respective retention prices. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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1. Virat Kohli – ₹21 Crore
Virat Kohli’s retention as the highest-paid player in the RCB lineup isn’t a surprise given his legendary status in the franchise and his longstanding association with the team. Kohli, who captained RCB for nearly a decade before stepping down, has been the face of the franchise, embodying its spirit and passion. His ₹21 crore retention fee makes him the most valuable player in the squad. However, his role in the upcoming season remains a topic of speculation. Fans and analysts alike are wondering if Kohli could potentially reassume the captaincy, leading RCB as they rebuild. His leadership experience and on-field dynamism could be pivotal as RCB seeks to reshape its roster and tactics for the coming season.
2. Rajat Patidar – ₹11 Crore
Rajat Patidar is a rising star who has shown his potential in recent IPL seasons with his reliable middle-order batting performances. His ability to anchor innings and stabilize the middle order makes him a valuable asset, especially in a lineup that has often depended on big-name players. Patidar’s retention for ₹11 crore indicates RCB’s commitment to investing in young Indian talent who can grow within the franchise and possibly serve as a long-term backbone for the team. With his previous performances displaying a knack for timing and composure under pressure, Patidar is likely to be given more responsibilities, potentially emerging as a core contributor in both the batting lineup and the team’s overall structure. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
3. Yash Dayal – ₹5 Crore
Yash Dayal is a relatively new name in the IPL but has already made an impression with his promising bowling skills. Retained for ₹5 crore, he represents RCB’s intent to bolster their pace attack with young, raw talent. Dayal’s skill set, which includes an ability to swing the ball and execute yorkers in the death overs, aligns well with RCB’s search for dependable bowlers who can provide breakthroughs and control the opposition’s scoring. RCB’s bowling has often been under scrutiny, and Dayal’s inclusion highlights their intent to bring balance to the squad by nurturing a new generation of bowlers who can make a mark in high-stakes situations. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Notable Omissions and Strategy Ahead
The decision to retain only Kohli, Patidar, and Dayal means that RCB has released several prominent players, signaling a clean slate approach. Notably absent from the retention list are seasoned players who previously contributed to RCB’s performance. This minimalistic approach to retention may be a deliberate choice to maximize their budget flexibility for the Mega Auction, where they can target players who align with their new vision. With a significant budget remaining, RCB has the opportunity to compete aggressively for marquee players who can fill specific gaps in their squad, whether in top-order batting, middle-order stability, or specialist bowlers for different phases of the game. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Questions Around Kohli’s Captaincy Role
The decision to retain Kohli as the top-paid player has naturally sparked curiosity about whether he might be reinstated as captain. Kohli’s previous tenure as captain was marked by passionate leadership and intense commitment, even though the team struggled to secure an IPL title under his leadership. As RCB rebuilds, Kohli’s experience and influence could provide the stability and inspiration the team needs. Alternatively, RCB may also consider bringing in a fresh captain, allowing Kohli to focus on his batting. Either way, Kohli’s role will be integral in guiding a team that is bound to feature several new faces post-auction. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Summary of Retained Players and Retention Prices
Here’s a quick recap of the three players RCB retained ahead of the IPL Mega Auction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Virat Kohli: ₹21 crore
- Rajat Patidar: ₹11 crore
- Yash Dayal: ₹5 crore
Final Thoughts
RCB’s unconventional approach to retention is sure to add intrigue to the upcoming auction. With only three players retained, the franchise is prioritizing flexibility and the chance to shape a dynamic new roster. This decision signals RCB’s readiness to redefine its team structure, moving away from past dependencies and adopting a forward-looking approach. Fans will be eager to see which players the franchise targets in the auction and how the retained trio—Kohli, Patidar, and Dayal—will fit into the reimagined lineup. The upcoming season promises a fresh start for RCB, one that could potentially bring them closer to the elusive IPL trophy. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
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