Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is once again gearing up for another attempt at securing their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, with the 2025 mega auction just around the corner. Despite having been a part of all 17 IPL seasons, the Bengaluru-based franchise is still waiting to lift their first-ever IPL trophy. The team has finished as runners-up three times, but the elusive title continues to slip through their grasp.

Strategic retentions to strengthen core

Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, RCB has made several strategic moves to retain key players for the upcoming season. The franchise invested a significant amount, Rs 37 crore, to hold onto three of their most crucial players: Virat Kohli (Rs 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore) and Mahipal Lomror (Rs 5 crore). These retentions ensure the team maintains a strong foundation heading into the auction, with Kohli bringing his leadership and experience, Patidar offering explosive batting, and Lomror providing solid middle-order stability.

Auction purse and future strategy

With Rs 83 crore left in their purse, RCB is in a strong position to make key acquisitions at the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise will look to fill out its squad with star players across various categories. As they aim to assemble a balanced team, RCB’s management will focus on strengthening their lineup in all areas, particularly in areas where they have been lacking in previous seasons. The franchise’s owners and team management are hopeful that these auction moves will be the final pieces of the puzzle to end their two-decade-long wait for an IPL title.

IPL 2025: 5 players that RCB can target in the mega auction

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is looking to strengthen its squad with key acquisitions to finally secure its maiden IPL title. With a purse of Rs 83 crore, RCB can target several high-quality players across various roles. Here are five potential players the franchise may target:

1. Yuzvendra Chahal (Spinner)

Yuzvendra Chahalone of IPL’s leading wicket-takers, can be the most important name on RCB’s radar for the 2025 auction. Despite a stellar tenure at RCB, where he claimed 139 wickets in 113 matches, the franchise did not retain him ahead of the 2022 auction. Since joining Rajasthan Royals, Chahal has continued his fine form, picking up 66 wickets in the last three seasons. His vast experience and wicket-taking ability make him a perfect fit to bolster RCB’s spin department, and the franchise is keen to bring him back.

2. Rachin Ravindra (All-rounder)

Rachin Ravindrathe New Zealand all-rounder, is a potential target for RCB due to his adaptability and all-round skills. At just 24 years old, Ravindra’s ability to adjust his gameplay based on match situations makes him a valuable asset. Having a connection to Bengaluru, where his parents previously lived, adds a personal touch to his possible return. His versatility with both bat and ball could provide the much-needed depth and flexibility to RCB’s lineup, addressing a long-standing need for a well-rounded all-rounder.

3. KL Rahul (Batter/Wicketkeeper)

KL Rahula former RCB player, could make a return to the franchise in IPL 2025. After being released by Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul has expressed a desire to play for RCB again. With 4683 runs in 132 IPL matches, Rahul has proven himself as one of the top batters in the league. He could provide RCB with a solid opening option, and his experience as a wicketkeeper and potential captain would add depth to the team. Rahul’s return would also offer stability at the top and help lead the team to success.

4. Jos Buttler (Batter/Wicketkeeper)

If ButtlerEngland’s explosive white-ball captain, could be an excellent addition to RCB in the upcoming auction. Released by Rajasthan Royals, Buttler has scored 3055 runs in 83 matches in the IPL, showcasing his ability as a top-order batter. Buttler’s leadership experience, including leading England to the T20 World Cup title in 2022, makes him a strong candidate to replace Faf du Plessis as captain. As a wicketkeeper and dynamic batter, Buttler would be a perfect fit for RCB, filling the gap left by Dinesh Karthik’s retirement.

5. Glenn Phillips (All-rounder)

Glenn PhillipsNew Zealand’s explosive all-rounder, could be a valuable asset for RCB in IPL 2025. Though Phillips has only played a handful of IPL games, his impressive T20I record of 1891 runs from 80 matches, including two centuries and ten fifties, shows his potential. As a dynamic finisher, Phillips can provide the acceleration in the middle and lower order. Additionally, his right-arm off-spin gives RCB an extra bowling option. With his all-round skills, Phillips would offer RCB the flexibility and depth they need, especially with the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s conducive conditions for aggressive batting and spin bowling.