Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shocked all fans and cricketers with their picks in the ongoing mega auction happening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The franchise denied using the 'Right to Match' RTM card on their star pacer Mohammed Siraj who was later brought by Gujarat Titans for 12.25 crore in the marquee event.
However, RCB's director of cricket Mo Bobat revealed the reason behind RCB's picks in the mega auction. He said that the Bengaluru-based franchise entered the auction to assemble a balanced team rather than disproportionately spending on top-order batters.
“Let’s be honest—RCB has never won the IPL. In the past, we’ve focused on spending big on a small number of players. This year, we approached it differently, aiming to assemble a balanced team rather than disproportionately spending on top-order batters as we may have done before. Jitesh Sharma is a high-quality Indian player who adds real power down the order—someone who might be able to replicate some of DK's finishing,” said Mo Bobat in a release.
RCB is yet to win an IPL title the Bengaluru-based franchise played the final for three times losing all (in 2009 to the Deccan Chargers, in 2011 to the Chennai Super Kings and in 2016 to the Sunrisers Hyderabad).
Bobat also opened up on not picking Yuzvendra Chahal in the mega auction. The leg spinner was picked by Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a whopping 18 crore.
“So, unfortunately, we bailed out and couldn’t deliver Yuzvendra Chahal back to the fans, but we’re very happy with what we’ve seen with Suyash Sharma. He’s a high-quality leg-spinner who bowls aggressively, and we think he can add value,” Bobat explained.
RCB Buys till 9 PM
Liam Livingstone (8.75 crore), Phil Salt (11.50 crore) Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 crore), Josh Hazlewood (12.50 crore), Rasikh Dar (6 crores), Suyash Sharma (2.60 crore), Krunal Pandya for (5.75 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (10.75 crore), Swapnil Singh (50 lakhs) RTM, Tim David (3 crore), Romerio Shepherd (1.50 crore), Nuwan Thushara (1.60 crore), Manoj Bhandage (30 Lakh), Jacob Bethell (2.60 crore)
