IPL Auction: RCB locks in Virat Kohli and Siraj, set to release Glenn Maxwell

Just a few days are left before the ten IPL franchises lock in their retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. The IPL governing council has set October 31 as the deadline for all the teams to inform of their retention picks. For the upcoming seasons, a franchise can retain up to six players. However, the sixth retention must be an Indian uncapped player, as per the guidelines set by the board. With the stakes being raised higher this time, RCB has reportedly planned to retain just two of their players ahead of the IPL auction. Obviously, Bengaluru wouldn’t let go of Virat Kohli, who is arguably the heart of RCB. Along with Kohli, RCB has finalized pacer Mohammed Siraj as their second retention. In a surprising move, the franchise is ready to release ace Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

RCB set to release Glenn Maxwell, restore Virat Kohli and Siraj ahead of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The IPL auction purse has been increased to 120 crores for the upcoming edition. Moreover, the retention slabs for the five capped players this time are set at 18 crores, 14 crores, and 11 crores, respectively, with the last two placed at 18 and 14 crores again. Within the provided space, a franchise can opt to retain two uncapped players with the cap set at 4 crores. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is ready to enter the IPL 2025 mega auction with a bigger purse as they plan to retain just two players for now. In an anticipated move, RCB has locked in the retention of their former skipper, Virat Kohli. Moreover, the franchise is confident in the abilities of Mohammed Siraj, who has been an integral part of the team for quite some time now.

Surprisingly, the franchise is not keen on backing Glenn Maxwell in the team further. The Australian had a disappointing run in IPL 2024, where he managed only 52 runs across nine innings and took six wickets over the season. Maxwell also pulled out of the league midway through the season as he requested time off to prioritize his mental health. However, it remains to be seen if the Challengers will use their RTM card on the all-rounder. Every franchise will go into the IPL 2025 mega auction with one RTM. Moreover, for every retention spot not used ahead of the auction, the respective team will get an extra Right-to-Match card.

Apart from Maxwell, RCB has also moved on from the idea of retaining Cameron Green in the squad. Apparently, the side was considering his retention. However, with the all-rounder undergoing surgery for a back stress injury, RCB cemented its decision to release the Australian. Cameron Green has been ruled out of the entirety of the Australian summer, including the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy at the Kangaroos’ home.

RCB eyeing to build a balanced squad for IPL 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is undoubtedly one of the most loved IPL franchises. In terms of fan following, RCB rubs shoulders with champions like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. However, the franchise is yet to win its maiden IPL title despite featuring some of the best players from across the world in the team over the years. One of the key patterns noted within the team is their over-dependence on 3-4 main players. Most recently, the onus for a win fell entirely on Kohli, skipper Faf, and Maxwell, who wasn’t at his best this season. The famous ‘KGF’ trio, while trying their best, struggled with the lack of support from down the order.

Going into the IPL 2025 mega auction, Bengaluru would look to form a newly-minted squad, hopefully a balanced one this time. While Kohli and Siraj are nearly confirmed as the official retentions, there has been no update about RCB’s stance on Faf Du Plessis. RCB bought the former CSK opener in the IPL 2022 mega auction as they were looking for a captaincy candidate. Virat Kohli had relinquished his captaincy following IPL 2021, leaving the franchise to look for an ideal pick to replace him in the position. Du Plessis subsequently filled in and has now led the team for three seasons. Now, RCB could aim for a new leading face in the mega auction. However, nothing is yet confirmed about the captaincy shuffle so far by RCB.