IPL Update: Possible player retentions by Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of Mega-Auction

Royal Challengers Bangalore or you can call it ‘Virat Kohli’s Red Army. Such has been his impact, over the years, in the team’s growing stature. They might not have won a trophy but boast of a massive fan following. And, there is no denying that Kohli has the biggest role to play in that. He has been with the franchise since the inception. And, according to a latest report by the Times of India, the run-machine is willing to return to the role of the captain ahead of the next season. As per the report, Virat Kohli is set to lead the Royal Challengers Bangalore again once in IPL.

He stepped down as RCB captain in 2021 and South African veteran Faf du Plessis led the side, thereafter. Du Plessis will turn 41 next year and it is unlikely that he will be retained by the franchise ahead of the Mega-Auction. 

Earlier, there had been reports of RCB targeting the likes of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant for the captaincy role. However, it seems like the duo might not set base in Bangalore as far as the upcoming edition is concerned. Nevertheless, in this article, let’s talk about the players that the franchise would look to retain before building the rest of the team at the auction. There are various Indian as well as foreign players that they would want to retain. 

However, retaining five capped players would cost them 75 crores out of a total purse of INR 120. Under the new player retention rules announced by the Indian Premier League, each franchise can retain a maximum of six players, using a combination of direct retention and the ‘Right to Match' option.

On that note, let’s take a look at possible retention options for the Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the Mega Auction: 

1. Virat Kohli

RCB picking Virat Kohli as their first retention option is a no brainer. Kohli has time and again made it clear that he will play his last IPL match for Bangalore. He should be the first retention choice for the franchise, thus bagging a hefty sum of INR 18 crore. 

Kohli hasn’t been in the best of touches with the bat. And, during this lean phase, he has, reportedly, taken on the mantle to lead the franchise. It remains to be seen how he fares in the upcoming edition of the tournament. The fans would be hoping that their favourite players get back to form and help them lift the elusive trophy. 

2. Rajat Patidar 

For the second retention option, RCB would be eyeing to retain the services of Rajat Patidar. Patidar has shown his mettle at a strike rate of 177.13. His exceptional ability to play spin and hit big sixes makes him a huge asset for any franchise in the cash-rich league. Patidar has been in a rich vein of form, of late and RCB is likely to pick him as the second retention option. 

3. Mohammed Siraj 

Mohammed Siraj’s form has dipped in the last couple of years and this is a concern for RCB. However, it is unlikely that the franchise would lose faith in his ability and release him ahead of the auction. Siraj made his debut for RCB in the 2018 season and has been a part of the franchise, since. 

Furthermore, he enjoys a great bond with Virat Kohli and the latter would surely look to have him by his side ahead of a new season. In 93 matches, M Siraj has 93 wickets to his name at an average of 30. The 30-year-old Indian fast bowler could well be RCB’s third retention pick for a sum of INR 11 crore.

4. Yash Dayal 

Royal Challengers Bangalore spent a hefty sum of INR 5 crore to bag the services of Yash Dayal at IPL 2024 auction. His wicket of MS Dhoni in a tense game against CSK will surely go down as one of the highlights of his IPL career. Yash Dayal brings a great variety to their fast bowling arsenal. RCB would definitely want him to retain and is likely to spend INR 4 crore as an uncapped player in the side. 

Who else RCB are likely to target? 

It is being reported that KL Rahul has parted ways with the franchise and he is likely to go back into the auction. RCB no longer has the services of Dinesh Karthik and they would need a wicket-keeper. The Red Army would surely go after KL Rahul, who can play both at the top and in the middle-order. 

Besides, they can use the Right-to-match option for overseas talents such as Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Wanindu Hasaranga.