Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained only three players ahead of the in the form of Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore), and Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore). With these retentions, they have consumed INR 37 crore of the 120 crore purse and will walk into the auction table with a remaining purse of INR 83 crore.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings have gone with just two retentions, in the form of Shashank Singh (INR 5.50 crore) and Prabhsimran Singh (INR 4 crore), and have the highest remaining purse with INR 110.50 crore. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals who are also one of the four teams to lift the IPL gold, have exhausted INR 47 crore by retaining four players and will enter the auction with INR 73 crore.
Both PBKS and DC who have seen major coaching revisions will look to strengthen their attacks with a balance of spinners, all-rounders, and some power hitters. With RCB releasing some big names from their squad, both Punjab and Delhi will grab the chance to acquire the services of former Bengaluru players in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Here are five RCB-released players who could trigger a bidding war between PBKS and DC at auction: 5. Anuj Rawat anuj rawat in rcb jersey ( Photo source : X / Twitter )The uncapped who plays for Delhi was bought by RCB for 3.4 crore in the previous mega auction in 2022. The wicketkeeper-batter is known to hit big shots and can keep the run-flowing rater in check. In his stint with RCB, he featured in 22 matches and scored 318 runs at a strike rate of 119.10.
Additionally, he ended as the fourth-highest run scorer in the Delhi Premier League T20 2024 with 356 runs in 10 games. With PBKS and DC both requiring a strong batter in the middle overs, Rawat can do the job brilliantly. Furthermore, Since Rawat is a reliable wicketkeeper in addition to being a left-hand batter, he is a suitable alternative for Rishabh Pant, who was released by the Delhi team.
4. Will Jacks Will Jacks. (Source -Twitter/X), the England all-rounder was bought by RCB FOR INR 3.20 Crore in the IPL 2024. The youngster made a great impact in the limited chances he got after replacing Glenn Maxwell in mid-tournament. In eight matches he scored 230 runs at a strike rate of 175.57 with his knock coming against Gujarat Titans where he smashed a 41-ball century.
The 25-year-old can come in handy as an opener or bat in the middle-order as he can play the big shots at ease and can also bowl a few overs if required. With both PBKS and DC looking for a foreign aggressive player, who can score quick runs, Jacks is the best option for them to fill that role.
3. Faf du Plessis Faf du Plessis. (Source -IPL/BCCI)Former South African skipper was retained by RCB for INR 7 crore ahead of IPL 2024. The opener who was part of the franchise for the past two seasons, led them to the qualifiers on both occasions. But considering his age, the 2016 finalists released him who scored 1636 runs across three seasons.
Additionally, Faf is a good fielder and has been part of some brilliant catches and run-outs. Faf is an IPL veteran and any team would love to have his expertise and guidance. With both PBKS and DC without a skipper and an opener, the 40-year-old is a perfect buy for them.
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2. Akash Deep Akash Deep (Source: Twitter)Indian pacer has been part of RCB camp ever since he joined them in 2021. The right-arm pacer, who is known to bowl consistently on Indian tracks, was retained by them ahead of IPL 2024 for just INR 20 lakhs.
Across three seasons, Deep has been part of just eight games and picked seven wickets at an economy of 11.67. Though he has been on an expensive side, the teams can go for him, considering his recent heroics in the longest format of the game for India, and teams requiring an Indian fast bowler who can get them some wickets at the top.
1. Glenn Maxwell Glenn Maxwell. (Source - Getty Images)Veteran Australian all-rounder has been part of released by RCB after their four-year association. The 36-year-old, who is known to have been part of the competition since 2012 has become one of the biggest names in franchise cricket. Known for his aggressive batting and handy spin bowling, Maxwell had a subpar 2024 season, where he was dropped in the mid-tournament. Though he has been released, historically he has earned big sums at the auction table and can make the franchises lift the paddle for him and go all out.
Maxwell can be seen donning the PBKS or DC jersey, as he has previously been part of both these teams. With Punjab, Maxwell joined them in 2014 and was associated with them till 2017, and then returned in the 2020 season. With Ricky Ponting now being the PBKS coach, there is a high possibility that the all-rounder is back in the Punjab dressing room. While, Delhi was the Melbourne-born's first IPL team, which he represented in 2012 and once more in 2018. DC can bid for him looking at his experience and ability to snatch the game away from the jaws of the opposition.
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