Ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Mega Auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) Director of Cricket Mo Bobat shared the strategy behind the team’s calculated and bold approach to auctions and decisions. He emphasized that RCB is focused on building a balanced and competitive squad and is away from the unpredictable nature of the auction.
Protection of explosives like Phil Salt (₹ 11.5 CR). Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 CR) and Tim David (₹3 CR) have headlined RCB’s approach, bringing aggression to the upper and middle order and matching their ‘brave brand of cricket’. RCB have also brought back the Australian pacer to form a tempting bowling unit Josh Hazlewood (₹12.5 CR), who knows the Chinnaswamy track well and partners him with King of India Swing*. Bhuvneshwar Kumar* (₹10.75 CR).
“Let’s face it, RCB have never won an IPL. In the past, we’ve focused on spending big on a small number of players. This year we’ve taken a different approach, looking to field a balanced team rather than spending disproportionately on top-tier batters as we’ve done in the past. Jitesh Sharma is a high-quality Indian player who adds real strength to the line-up – someone who can replicate some of DK’s finishing,” explained Mo Bobat.
Choosing not to participate in the early stages of the auction and focusing only on the players they really wanted was a deliberate and bold strategy by the team management. Each of the successful bids addressed key roles and added diversity to the team, aligning with broader goals for the upcoming season and beyond.
Indian wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma (₹11 CR) has added some final strength to the lower order, creating a formidable batting line-up while also adding an experienced player. Krunal Pandya (₹5.75 CR) and West Indian Romario Shepherd provided steel to both the batting and bowling departments.
It was really great to get Bhuvi today, that skill level along with Krunal’s skill level will complete Hazlewood’s return to RCB. It would be great to have him back at the club. Yash Dayal, we saw what he did last year and we got Rasikh Salam fighting for the place. So that kind of skill, I think, is one you need in Chinnaswamy in the bowling department. So it feels good for us to have that level. In fact, we have many first options. So we’re really happy with where we’re at right now. Coach Andy Flora said.
The acquisition strategy also reflected a strong belief in results-oriented players that meet the needs of the bold outfits that management aims to create. The acquisitions of Suyash Sharma (₹2.2 CR) and Rasikh Dar (₹6 CR) reflect this mindset. The team’s aim was to build an impressively strong Indian bowling core from start to finish with Yash Dayal; Rasikh, who has emerged as a particularly economical prospect in IPL 2024, and Suyash, whose spin bowling has baffled many, have formed part of that goal.
“So unfortunately we bailed out and couldn’t bring Yuzi (Chahal) back to the fans but we are very happy with what we have seen with Suyash Sharma. He is a quality leg-spinner who bowls aggressively and we think he can add value,” explained Bobat.
RCB buys till 20.00 (updated list will be sent after auction)
Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 CR), Phil Salt (₹11.5 CR), Jitesh Sharma (₹11 CR), Josh Hazlewood (₹12.5 CR), Rasikh Dar (₹6 CR), Suyash Sharma (₹ 2.2 CR), Krunal Pandya (₹5.75 CR), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 CR), Swapnil Singh (₹50L), Tim David (₹3 CR), Romario Shepherd (₹1.5 CR) , Nuvan Thuhara (₹1.6 CR), Jacob Bethell (₹2.6 CR), Manoj Bhandale (₹30L)
