'RCB will just retain one player...': Ex-India pacer reckons Bengaluru-based franchise's retention strategy ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

Former India pacer RP Singh predicted the strategy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming mega auction which is set to take place overseas later this year. He reckoned that there will be a massive reshuffle in the Bengaluru-based franchise for the upcoming IPL 2025. He believes that RCB might retain only star batter, Virat Kohli and will release all other players ahead of the auction.
 

The IPL governing council recently announced player regulations for the next three seasons, allowing franchises to retain up to six players, with a maximum of five capped ones, through retention or the Right to Match (RTM) option. Singh opened up on RCB's potential approach ahead of the mega auction

"I feel they don't have any problem. They will just retain Virat Kohli, release everyone else, and use the RTM. If we see the value taking Rajat Patidar as an example, will we get him for more or less than 11 crores at the auction?" he told Colors Cineplex.

Using Rajat Patidar as an example, Singh expressed scepticism about whether his auction price would surpass 11 crores, suggesting that RCB might be able to reacquire him for a lower amount. He applied the same reasoning to pacer Mohammed Siraj, questioning whether his auction price would even reach 14 crores.

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Singh emphasized the value of the RTM card in these situations, as it enables the Bengaluru-based franchise to match the highest bid and retain players when needed.

"I feel you will get Rajat Patidar for fewer. So you get him back at the auction. Even if he reaches close to 11 crores, you have the RTM which you can use there. Siraj, performance-wise, you will have to again judge whether you will get him close to 11 crores. I don't think Siraj will reach close to 14 crores. They will always have the option that if he reaches there, you can use the RTM," he added

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