As the RCB IPL Auction 2025 draws to a close, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stands out for its strategic purchases. However, their overall approach has generated a mix of excitement and concern among fans and analysts alike. RCB, a franchise with one of the largest fan bases, has traditionally been a team full of potential, but often falling short in terms of winning the ultimate prize — the IPL trophy. Heading into the 2025 auction, there was an expectation that RCB would break the bank and come out stronger, particularly as their squad rebuild seemed overdue. But after Day 1 of the IPL auction, it’s clear that the team has gone in a direction that is leaving fans and experts divided.
RCB’s Day 1 Strategy and Purchases
On Day 1 of the RCB IPL Auction 2025, spent a total of ₹53.35 crore to secure nine players, but it’s not the big-ticket names that have raised eyebrows. Their most expensive purchase was Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, whom they bought for ₹12.5 crore. Hazlewood’s re-signing is undoubtedly a strong acquisition given his consistency and skill with the ball. He brings in invaluable experience and an added depth to RCB’s pace attack, which was often their Achilles’ heel in previous seasons.
In addition to Hazlewood, RCB also spent significantly on England’s wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt and all-rounder Liam Livingstone. Salt was picked for ₹11.5 crore, while Livingstone came for ₹8.75 crore. Both players offer versatility and firepower in the middle order, with Livingstone being a handy bowler as well. Salt’s explosive batting also gives RCB more depth at the top, especially with the powerplay restrictions.
Another notable signing was wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who fetched ₹11 crore. Sharma’s dynamic batting style and sharp keeping abilities make him an exciting prospect for RCB, who have often relied heavily on their top-order. His presence should bring a fresh dynamic to the lower middle-order, offering RCB more balance.
Additionally, RCB secured Rasikh Dar for ₹6 crore, a young fast bowler with potential, and Suyash Sharma for ₹2.6 crore, a relatively lesser-known leg-spinner. Both acquisitions reflect RCB’s interest in developing young talent for the future, although these players may not immediately transform the squad in the way the marquee signings like Hazlewood and Livingstone are expected to.
Criticism and Mixed Reactions: Did RCB Miss the Mark?
While the acquisitions have undoubtedly strengthened RCB’s squad on paper, they have also drawn their fair share of criticism. Some commentators, such as former IPL player Robin Uthappa and former England captain Eoin Morgan, have expressed concerns about the franchise’s overall strategy.
On JioCinema’s live coverage of the auction, Uthappa pointed out that RCB’s approach seemed a bit uncertain. He highlighted the fact that the team made just one major pick in the first two marquee sets and suggested that it was difficult to understand the direction in which they were heading. Uthappa, who has a strong connection with RCB from his past tenure, admitted he felt let down by the franchise’s relatively conservative approach in comparison to their competitors.
This criticism is valid when looking at the key players RCB missed out on, particularly when the team’s significant purse of ₹50 crore was considered. For example, RCB opted not to pursue big-ticket players such as KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, or Rishabh Pant — players who could have been potential game-changers for the team. RCB’s decision to not bid aggressively for these marquee players could be seen as a missed opportunity. These are names who have consistently proven themselves at the IPL level and could have been the cornerstone of the franchise’s success, especially in leadership roles.
Furthermore, RCB also refrained from bidding for left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who was available in the auction pool. Starc’s exclusion has raised some eyebrows, as his addition could have provided much-needed balance to RCB’s bowling attack. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death would have been a perfect complement to Hazlewood, and many expected RCB to go all out for him given his skillset and IPL pedigree.
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Virat Kohli’s Future as RCB’s Captain
One of the most talked-about aspects of RCB IPL Auction 2025 was the issue of leadership. Despite the franchise’s signing of several new players, it was clear that the captaincy situation was a critical consideration. Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for years, has been one of the most popular and successful players in the franchise’s history. However, the question of whether Kohli would return as captain was a subject of much speculation going into the auction.
On Day 1 of the auction, AB de Villiers, who is a close friend of Kohli and a former RCB player, hinted that the team might have already made their decision about the leadership role. According to de Villiers, he was aware of who would take over the reins in 2025, further fueling the speculation that Virat Kohli could be poised to return as the captain of the side. This was further confirmed by RCB’s lack of interest in players like Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul, who could have been strong contenders for the leadership role.
The question of leadership is crucial for RCB, who have seen multiple leadership changes in recent years, and the return of Kohli as captain could bring stability to the side. His passion, experience, and commitment to the franchise are qualities that many feel will once again unite the RCB squad and bring them closer to their goal of winning the IPL.
RCB’s Full Squad Post-Auction
Here’s a look at RCB’s complete squad after Day 1 of the IPL 2025 auction:
Players Acquired:
- Josh Hazlewood (₹12.5 crore) – A potent pace bowler who will strengthen RCB’s attack.
- Phil Salt (₹11.5 crore) – A hard-hitting opener who will add depth to the batting.
- Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crore) – A dynamic keeper-batter with a strong IPL pedigree.
- Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore) – A versatile all-rounder who adds balance to the team.
- Rasikh Dar (₹6 crore) – A promising young fast bowler.
- Suyash Sharma (₹2.6 crore) – A young leg-spinner with potential.
Players Retained:
- Virat Kohli (₹21 crore) – RCB’s undisputed star and potential captain for IPL 2025.
- Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore) – An attacking batter who has shown glimpses of brilliance in previous seasons.
- Yash Dayal (₹5 crore) – A pace bowler with consistency.
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Looking Ahead: Can RCB’s Auction Moves Lead to Success?
While RCB’s approach on Day 1 of the RCB IPL Auction 2025 might appear safe to some, others might argue that the franchise has missed a few key opportunities to strengthen their squad. The acquisitions of Hazlewood, Salt, Sharma, and Livingstone are solid, but with the absence of marquee names like Starc or Rahul, RCB’s strategy seems less aggressive than expected.
However, it’s important to remember that IPL success is not only about big-name purchases. The blend of youth and experience, coupled with a stable leadership group, can lead to great success. Kohli’s return as captain could provide the stability and guidance needed to take this team to the next level. If the new signings can hit the ground running and deliver consistent performances, RCB could be a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2025.
Ultimately, the success of RCB in the 2025 season will depend on how well their acquisitions fit into the team dynamic and whether their leadership issues are resolved with the return of Kohli. With a solid mix of experienced players and promising talents, RCB could well find the right formula for success — but they will have to prove that they can handle the pressure of high expectations from their loyal fan base.