RCB's Targeted XI Post 2025 Auction: A Power-Packed Lineup

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The year 2025 will see yet another IPL auction, which is no ordinary historical event but one that promises to mark a refreshing perspective for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Although the team boasts of a huge fandom and several world-class talents, the RCB management has choked more often than not, losing out to all the other teams but winning none in 17 seasons of the IPL. 

But this time around, they have a clear retention strategy in place, as well as a big auction purse, meaning they are bound to create a tipping team. Let us take a look at their estimation in relation to the IPL 2025 mega auction.

RCB Retained Players for IPL 2025

RCB has retained three key players, forming the foundation of their squad:

PLAYERBASE PRICEROLE
Virat KohliIndiaINR 21 Cr
Rajat PatidarIndiaINR 11 Cr
Yash DayalIndiaINR 5 Cr

Available Slots: 22
Remaining Purse: INR 83 Cr

This retention strategy highlights their focus on experienced leaders like Virat Kohli and promising talents like Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal. With significant funds left, RCB has ample room to build a balanced and competitive squad.

Targeted Opener for IPL 2025

KL Rahul

Base Price: INR 2 Cr

Estimated Spend: INR 15-20 Cr

With Virat Kohli retained as an opener, RCB needs a reliable partner who can also lead the team. KL Rahul fits the bill perfectly. As an experienced captain and proven IPL performer, Rahul brings consistency and leadership. His ability to adapt to different conditions and play anchor roles makes him a valuable asset. Securing Rahul would also fill the leadership void left by Faf du Plessis.

Targeted Middle Order for IPL 2025

PLAYERBASE PRICEROLEESTIMATED SPEND
Will JacksINR 2 CrTop-order batter, part-time bowlerINR 10 Cr
Liam LivingstoneINR 2 CrExplosive middle-order batter, off-spinnerINR 12 Cr
David MillerINR 2 CrFinisher, middle-order batterINR 10 Cr

Will Jacks

After exhibiting remarkable performances in the IPL 2024, Will Jacks has justified himself as an effective top-order batsman who is handy with the ball as well. RCB would love players with such traits considering their preference for all-rounders

Liam Livingstone

The fact that Livingstone can smash big sixes and could also bowl off-spin for a couple of overs makes him a valuable asset. His presence would reinforce the RCB middle order, which has been a source of woe for the team at crucial junctures in the games.

David Miller

A dependable last resort, David Miller has scored match-winning knocks during the final few overs of an innings more than once. And that makes him a good fit for the RCB current squad, where the middle order seems to need a lot of composure and steadiness.

Targeted All-Rounders for IPL 2025

PLAYERBASE PRICEROLEESTIMATED SPEND
Washington SundarINR 2 CrAll-rounder (bat and ball)INR 10 Cr
Yudhvir Singh CharakINR 30 LakhBowling all-rounderINR 5 Cr

Washington Sundar

Sundar’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable player. Having previously played for RCB, his familiarity with the team environment could be a significant advantage. Sundar’s off-spin bowling is particularly useful on surfaces like Chinnaswamy, which often favor batsmen.

Yudhvir Singh Charak

A young talent with potential, Charak’s skills as a bowler and lower-order hitter bring versatility to the squad. His performances in domestic cricket make him a cost-effective yet impactful addition.

Targeted Bowlers for IPL 2025

PLAYERBASE PRICEROLEESTIMATED SPEND
Mitchell StarcINR 2 CrFast BowlerINR 12 Cr
Mohammed SirajINR 2 CrFast BowlerINR 8 Cr

Mitchell Starc

The playing factors of Starc’s pace and control over Yorkers at the death are enough to influence the outcome of the match. He played a key role in helping the franchise win the title in 2024 for KKR and his inclusion back in RCB might rekindle the memories of their incredible season in the year 2016 in all facets. Starc’s inclination towards high-pressure matches will considerably strengthen the bowling unit’s depth.

Mohammed Siraj

Recognized as a reliable player for RCB, Siraj has transformed into a skillful fast bowler capable of bowling well on white-flat pitches. Retaining him would ensure stability and provide the team with a local fast bowler in Siraj.

Backup Options for RCB

Should their primary targets not materialize, RCB has a list of promising backups:

  • Faf du Plessis
  • Rachin Ravindra
  • Jake Fraser-McGurk
  • Khaleel Ahmed
  • Yuzvendra Chahal
  • Adam Zampa

These players offer flexibility and depth, ensuring RCB remains competitive even if their primary targets are unavailable.

RCB’s Targeted Playing XI for IPL 2025

  1. Virat Kohli
  2. KL Rahul (C) (WK)
  3. Rajat Patidar
  4. Will Jacks
  5. Liam Livingstone
  6. David Miller
  7. Washington Sundar
  8. Yudhvir Singh Charak
  9. Yash Dayal
  10. Mitchell Starc
  11. Mohammed Siraj

This lineup boasts a balance of experienced international stars and young Indian talent, perfectly positioned to challenge for the IPL trophy.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 mega auction provides a perfect chance for RCB to come up with a winning squad that will finally end their title drought. With an unmistakably outlined strategy, targeted at achieving balance, depth, and multi-faceted players, RCB is ready and prepared to win. Their targeted XI which also has seasoned and accomplished players such as KL Rahul and Mitchell Starc and energetic players like Will Jacks and Liam Livingstone can help the team to lift the much yearned for the IPL trophy.

For the RCB fans, the wait might come to an end this season, as it is highly likely that this will be the season when all the dreams become a reality.