Last Updated on 7 months by Charbel Coorey
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans know the rollercoaster of emotions all too well – soaring hope, crushing disappointment, and a never-ending quest for redemption. In 2024, it seemed like another heartbreak was on the horizon after losing seven out of the first eight matches. The trolls were out and the naysayers were loud. But when all hope seemed lost, RCB scripted the greatest comeback in IPL history.
When not a single soul believed they could rise from the ashes, the team rallied to six consecutive wins, defying all odds, and earned a playoff spot that no one saw coming. For those devoted supporters, this was more than just a comeback; it was a testament to their unwavering loyalty.
With the playoffs approaching, the atmosphere crackled with excitement, and RCB fans dared to dream again. Riding on their incredible momentum, they entered the knockout stages with renewed hope. But as fate would have it, the finish line remained elusive. Despite the deafening cheers from their loyal supporters, RCB failed. Once again.
As the dust settles on another heartbreak, the focus shifts to the future. Standing on the cusp of the 2025 IPL auction, the crucial question arises: who should RCB retain to finally, hopefully, break the trophy-less streak?
But before that, let’s quickly go through the retention rules for IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 Retention Rules
Franchises can retain a total of six players from their existing squad, either through direct retention or using the Right to Match (RTM) option. The six players can include up to five capped players (Indian or overseas) and a maximum of two uncapped players. Each franchise has complete discretion to decide the combination of retentions and RTMs.
The auction purse for IPL 2025 is set at INR 120 Crore, and retaining players will result in deductions from this purse. The value of capped player retentions is predefined:
- 1st Retained Player: INR 18 crore
- 2nd Retained Player: INR 14 crore
- 3rd Retained Player: INR 11 crore
- 4th Retained Player: INR 18 crore
- 5th Retained Player: INR 14 crore
Retaining an uncapped player costs INR 4 crore.
RCB, like many other franchises, might lean towards retaining only three players instead of opting for a fourth or fifth retention. The reason is simple: the fourth retention costs INR 18 crore and the fifth a hefty INR 14 crore, significantly eating into the auction purse. Given the high cost, many teams might prefer entering the auction with a larger budget, where they can use the RTM card to reacquire key players without committing to such large pre-auction deductions.
Now that the retention rules are clear, let’s break down the key contenders RCB should consider retaining, one by one.
Who should RCB retain for IPL 2025? The top options
Virat Kohli
The heart and soul of the franchise. Kohli will be the 1st retained player, locked in for INR 18 crore. Without wasting any more time, let’s move on to number two.
Mohammed Siraj
From being trolled mercilessly in his early days, where he was often seen as an expensive liability, to now being regarded as one of India’s top all-format bowlers, Siraj has come a long way, and Virat Kohli and RCB backed have him through it all.
Since 2023, only three times in 13 innings has Siraj given away more than 36 runs (i.e., 9 RPO) in his four overs at the Chinnaswamy, and has had just one wicketless outing.
Despite being erratic, he remains a top domestic pace option. Given the high demand for quality Indian fast bowlers, RCB would surely want him back – but for how much? INR 14 crore might be a stretch, though, so look for Siraj to slide into the 11-crore retention category, or potentially an RTM.
Will Jacks
One of the most exciting young talents in white-ball cricket, Will Jacks burst onto the scene in the IPL with a breathtaking century in Ahmedabad, where he rocketed from 50 to 100 in just six minutes, sending the ball into the stands repeatedly.
At just 25, Jacks has accumulated nearly 5,000 T20 runs, including four centuries and 32 half-centuries, all at a strike rate close to 160. On top of his batting, his 60 T20 wickets at an economy rate of 7.38 make him a valuable all-round option in any T20 squad.
He’s a multi-dimensional player who RCB would be eager to hold onto as a long-term investment. While he may not be the second retention, he’ll definitely be in the conversation for the third, tussling with Siraj and Patidar.
Rajat Patidar
There should be no doubt whatsoever about Patidar’s retention. The sheer skillset he offers makes him a lock for the No. 3 or possibly No. 4 position in the lineup. RCB has struggled for years to find high-quality Indian batters, and letting go of someone of Patidar’s calibre would be a massive blunder.
Faf du Plessis
I’ll admit, I was one of many who questioned Faf’s acquisition during the 2022 mega auction.
But what did he do instead? He etched his name into RCB folklore.
At 40, he’s still one of the finest batters in the league, and RCB fans have taken him into their hearts. But with age catching up, will RCB retain him? It’s unlikely they’ll invest INR 14 or 11 crore on him. However, if the auction dynamics allow, and Faf comes at a bargain, an RTM could be on the cards, although highly unlikely.
Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell’s value in the T20 circuit has always been undeniable. Like Faf, fans have developed an emotional bond with Maxwell too, and it’s safe to say that he’s earned his place in RCB’s history.
However, his abysmal performance last season — 52 runs in nine innings — coupled with his age and inconsistency, signals that it may be time for RCB to move on. With a 25-year-old youngster waiting in the wings who, in one way, mirrors Maxwell’s skill set, it may be time for RCB to invest in the future.
Cameron Green
Green seems poised to be the second retention for RCB. Standing at 6’6″, the towering all-rounder from Perth is widely regarded as a generational multi-format talent, and it’s easy to see why RCB might be inclined to lock him in for INR 14 crore.
But how RCB plans to use him remains a key question. If Green is slotted into the top-order, they’ll be bereft of a left-hander in the top 4. Placing him at No. 5 is an option, and might even be worth a shot, but it feels like a premature move. RCB would perhaps want to lock him in more for his potential than his immediate fit in the side.
Yash Dayal (uncapped)
After what was a successful last season for Dayal, his stocks have definitely risen. If doesn’t debut in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, Dayal could well be RCB’s uncapped retention at INR 4 crore. A domestic left-arm seamer who can move the ball both ways with the new ball is always a valuable asset, and alongside Siraj, Dayal could help solidify a fast-bowling duo, a combination to build around for the future.
Kohli, Green, Siraj, Jacks, Patidar, and Yash Dayal seem like the right mix to shape a competitive squad. Together, this core can anchor RCB’s auction strategy and build towards a competitive squad. As RCB builds towards the future, one thing remains constant — their fans will keep the faith alive, no matter the odds. Because one day, their loyalty will be rewarded, and the wait will have been worth it.
