After a horrible start to the IPL 2024 season, Faf du Plessis’ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) mounted a spectacular comeback to salvage the season. RCB had managed just a single win in their opening eight games, after which they turned the tables around, winning six on the trot and qualifying for the playoffs.
Their clash against the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the decider for playoffs proved to be one of the games in IPL history with the game going down the wire. RCB looked set to go all the way after that terrific win, however, they were knocked out in the Eliminator game against Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals.
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RCB will enter the market in the IPL 2025 mega auction looking for players to strengthen their team in their quest for the maiden IPL title ahead of the 2025 season. Despite the franchise set for some major changes, few players ought to be retained considering their contributions to the team.
In today’s story with The Sporting News, we take a look at the most likely players to be retained in the Bengaluru team ahead of the mega auction.
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Who will RCB retain ahead of the IPL 2025 Mega Auction?
RCB are expected to retain three players ahead of the season, however, in the scenario wherein they do decide to retain four, let’s take a look at the top contenders to make the retention list.
Virat Kohli
The first player to come to mind to make the RCB retention list is undoubtedly the talismanic batter, Virat Kohli. Kohli has been an RCB loyalist since the inception of the IPL in 2008 and even captained the side in over 140 matches.
Kohli was at the top of his game in the recently concluded IPL season, finishing the tournament as the top scorer with well over 700 runs. Kohli became only the second player after Chris Gayle to score 700+ runs in two different seasons of the IPL, the first one being in 2016.
The RCB stalwart even won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados with the Indian team. The 35-year-old played a crucial knock in the Final to clinch the game for the Men in Blue against South Africa.
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Mohammed Siraj
Ace pacer Mohammed Siraj is another strong shout to make the retention list for RCB ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Siraj was left alone to spearhead the RCBB bowling attack in the 2024 season, a season that was heavily dominated by batters.
Despite a horrible season with the ball, Siraj managed to pick up 15 wickets across 14 games at an economy of just above 9 runs per over. Although the numbers are a bit below par, he has been their best bowler by far.
Siraj has been a part of the franchise since 2018 and is most likely to be awarded with a retention ahead of the 2025 season.
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Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar had an important role to play in RCB’s upward battle after suffering seven losses in the initial eight games. Patidar discord close to 400 runs across the season, with a strike rate exceeding 170.
Patidar was signed as a replacement for an injured Luvnith Sisodia and ever since the 28-year-old has been an important part of the team. Patidar has won numerous matches for his side batting in the middle order.
He is expected to be retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auction after clutch performances in the second half of the season.
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Cameron Green
Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green had an impressive debut season with the Bengaluru side after moving from the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI). Green came in handy for the three-time finalists with both bat as well as the ball.
The 25-year-old scored over 250 runs in 13 matches, averaging just above 30 despite not having a fixed position in the batting order. Along with his contributions with the bat, Green also scalped 10 wickets across the season.
Racking up decent numbers in just his second IPL season, Green is expected to be retained by the franchise ahead of the mega auction.