The mega auction of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2025 is on the verge of its start, with the marquee event set to be held on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, ahead of the auction, the various franchises announced their respective retentions.
With the teams announcing many players as their retention, Royal Challengers Bengaluru only announced Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal as their retention. The side will go into the mega auction with a remaining purse of INR 83 crore. The side released their skipper, Faf du Plessis, and will have a new skipper in the IPL 2025.
Let us have a look at three players who could lead RCB in the IPL 2025:
3. KL Rahul
Star India batter KL Rahul will be present in the auction pool. Much to the surprise of many, Rahul was released by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the mega auction. It is worth noting that Rahul led LSG to the IPL playoffs in 2022 and 2023 but failed to help his side into the playoffs in 2024, and he could lead the side in the IPL 2025 as well.
With a set base price of INR 2 crore, Rahul could be a fine addition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s lineup, and with the star batter already having played for the franchise, Rahul would get quite the welcome in his home, Bengaluru.
It is worth noting that the 32-year-old has played 132 matches in the IPL and has managed to amass 4,683 runs and maintain an average of 45.47 runs. He will hope that he can get back into his own if he makes the comeback to RCB.
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2. Rishabh Pant
Ace India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant could be another star that Royal Challengers Bengaluru could look to rope in and make the side’s leader. Pant was released by Delhi Capitals ahead of the mega auction. It is worth noting that Rishabh Pant led Capitals in the IPL 2024 but failed to bring the title home.
However, if RCB manages to rope in Pant and his services, he could be a suitable contender for the role of the skipper. It is worth noting that Pant has played 111 IPL matches so far, has scored 3,284 runs to his name, and maintains an average of 35.31.
With Pant being available in the auction pool, it is likely that several franchises will go after Pant, and with INR 83 crore in RCB’s purse, they could go after Pant as a suitable option for skipper as well.
1. Virat Kohli
Star India batter and former skipper of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli, could be a real contender for the role of the franchise’s skipper ahead of the IPL 2025. Recently, there were reports of Kohli being RCB’s skipper once more after Faf du Plessis’ release as well.
The franchise retained Kohli for a whopping INR 21 crore, making him one of the highest-paid players in the tournament. Furthermore, in Kohli’s captaincy, despite not winning the title, RCB has often presented themselves as a real contender for the title.
It is worth noting that Kohli has played 252 IPL matches so far and has scored 8,004. He maintains an average of 38.67 runs and will surely be one of the most important players for the franchise in the IPL 2025.
