The player retention list was released ahead of the mega auction of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. A total of 46 players were retained ahead of the auction. Franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have retained their respective core groups. While Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings will enter the upcoming auction with a new strategy.
Will Kohli captain RCB again?
Royal Challengers Bangalore have retained three players including Virat Kohli. Kohli has been signed by RCB for Rs 21 crore. While middle-order batsman Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore) and fast bowler Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore) are also included in RCB’s retention list. However, RCB have not signed Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green. Faf du Plessis captained RCB last season but now the team is looking for a new captain.
12th Men’s Army, your cheers have echoed!
We have retained the stars you championed and are delighted to welcome you back! Together, let’s make this season unforgettable. #PlayBold #நமம்RCB #IPL2025 #IPRLentention pic.twitter.com/4Xqf79akr6
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) October 31, 2024
There are speculations that Virat Kohli could captain RCB again. Now the statement of the RCB team management regarding these speculations has come to light. Speaking to Geo Cinema, RCB Cricket director Mo Bobat said: “We have not made any decision yet on captaincy or him (making Kohli captain again). Our options are open. The only clear decision that We took was not to retain Faf. He had performed brilliantly last year and the years before. We will keep a very open mind going into the auction.
‘I never thought that…’
Virat Kohli said after the retention, ‘Everyone knows what RCB means to me. Over the years it has been a very special relationship, which continues to grow stronger. What I have experienced playing for RCB is really very special. I hope the fans and everyone associated with the franchise feel the same way too. At the end of this cycle it will be 20 years since I played for RCB. This in itself is a very special feeling for me. I never thought I would play on the same team for so many years. And like I said before, I don’t see myself anywhere else other than RCB.
Let us tell you that Virat Kohli captained RCB from 2013 to 2021. During this time, RCB had played the final once in 2016, where they had to face defeat by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kohli had stepped down from the captaincy before the mega auction of 2022. After this, Faf Duplessis became captain. He took over for 3 seasons, but the team failed to win the title even during this period.
