Building a balanced and competitive team

Key signatures at the auction

RCB made bold moves during the auction, securing top talent and addressing critical voids in their lineup.

• 
  Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore)
• England’s dynamic all-rounder was RCB’s first signing in the auction. Known for his explosive bowling and handy spin bowling, Livingstone adds depth to RCB’s middle order and versatility in the bowling department.
• 
  Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore)
• The English wicketkeeper-batter was another high-value acquisition. Salt brings top-class attacking batting and excellent skills behind the stumps, taking on a vital role in the team.
• 
  Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crore)
• The young Indian wicketkeeper-batter was a major purchase for RCB. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish games makes him a perfect addition to the lineup.
• 
  Josh Hazlewood (₹12.5 crore)
• The Australian pacer, who is held at a hefty price tag, boosts RCB’s pace attack. Hazlewood’s consistency with the ball and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a valuable asset.
• 
  Rasikh Dar (₹6 crore)
• The promising Indian pacer was another strategic signing. Dar’s ability to swing the ball effectively adds variety to his bowling armoury.
• 
  Suyash Sharma (₹2.6 crore)
• A talented spinner, Sharma’s inclusion strengthens RCB’s spin department, providing depth and versatility to their bowling combinations.

Retained players: RCB’s core

Before the auction, RCB retained three key players:

• 
  Virat Kohli (₹21 crore): The face of RCB and their most experienced batsman, Kohli remains central to their plans.
• 
  Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore): The Patidar’s consistent performances in the previous seasons earned him a crucial spot in the list that he retained.
• 
  Yash Dayal (₹5 crore): The left-arm pacer’s ability to swing the ball and pick angles at crucial moments made him smart to keep.

Released players: Bold calls from management

RCB released some high profile names like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj. These decisions were likely driven by their strategy to free up capital and refresh the team with fresh talent.

Analysis: A Strong Squad for IPL 2025

The RCB squad now has a mix of experience and youth. The inclusion of versatile players like Livingstone and Salt provides versatility in both batting and bowling. Meanwhile, retaining Kohli ensures stability of leadership.

Challenges:

• The absence of Faf du Plessis and Maxwell may leave a void in experience.
• Finding the perfect team balance and efficient use of resources will be crucial.

With their revamped squad, RCB look set to chase their elusive maiden IPL title. Fans will be hoping that this new approach will finally break their trophy drought.

RCB Full Squad for IPL 2025:

• 
  Extraordinary: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal
• 
  Bought: Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma