Virat Kohli’s Leadership Speculation and RCB’s Auction Strategy
RCB retained Virat Kohli but released Faf du Plessis ahead of IPL 2025, which sparked speculation over leadership changes.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) retained key players Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. However, the franchise made a significant decision to release Faf du Plessis, who captained the team from 2022 to 2024. While it was anticipated that RCB might bring the South African star back, they chose not to use the Right to Match (RTM) card, allowing Delhi Capitals to acquire him for INR 2 crore.
The move has sparked intense speculation about RCB’s leadership, with many questioning if Virat Kohli might reclaim the captaincy. Kohli, who stepped down as RCB skipper in 2022, remains a central figure in the franchise. However, there was no official announcement regarding the captaincy, even after the auction.
RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, addressed the uncertainty, stating that no decision had been made. Head Coach Andy Flower echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that communication on the matter was still pending. “Well, you’re going to have to wait for the outcome. It’s a new era that we are going into, the start of a three-year cycle, and I’m sure the anticipation will be good for you. You can ask me as often as you like, but that communication has not happened yet,” Flower told SportsTak.
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At the auction, RCB entered with a substantial purse and secured 19 players. Their most significant purchases included Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood and big-hitter Phil Salt, both bought for INR 12 crore. To strengthen their bowling attack, the franchise added veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar for INR 10.75 crore. Meanwhile, Australia’s explosive batter Tim David joined the squad for INR 3 crore.
Last Updated on January 10, 2025
