3 best RTM candidates for RCB at the IPL 2025 auction ft. Will Jacks
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opted to retain just three players ahead of the 2025 IPL auction. The three-time IPL finalists therefore have plenty of shopping to do on November 24 and 25.
Virat Kohli was RCB's first retention, at ₹21 crore. Rajat Patidar was secured for ₹11 crore, with Yash Dayal being retained as an uncapped player for ₹4 crore. Only the Punjab Kings retained fewer players than Bengaluru.
RCB now have three RTM cards ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. While they will likely want an overhaul of their 2024 squad, they did have a few valuable names in their ranks for the previous campaign who could be on their books once again.
On that note, here are the three best RTM candidates for RCB at the IPL 2025 auction:
#3 Will Jacks
Will Jacks' astonishing takedown of Rashid Khan in a stellar blitz against the Gujarat Titans was just a small glimpse of what he's capable of in the shortest format. After impressing for RCB in IPL 2024, the Englishman will certainly be at the top of the team's wishlist at the auction.
Jacks' spin game is still a work in progress, and he might not be the ideal foil for Virat Kohli at the top of the order. But he's still young and has plenty of room to grow. The all-rounder is also a handy off-spin option who can bowl in the powerplay and through the middle overs.
#2 Mohammed Siraj
Not many bowlers have done well at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, and Mohammed Siraj had a rough start to the start of his RCB career. However, over the last few seasons, he has been one of the franchise's key cogs in the bowling attack.
Indian pacers who can bowl at all stages of the innings are hard to come by, and it was honestly a surprise to see the Royal Challengers let him into the auction pool. It would be an understandable decision if they went all-out to secure Siraj's services once again, given the rarity of his skillset.
#1 Vyshak Vijaykumar
Vyshak Vijaykumar hasn't been a central part of RCB's plans over the last couple of seasons. While he has played a role at times, particularly with his cutters in the middle overs, the management hasn't been eager to make him a regular member of the playing XII.
Nevertheless, Vyshak is a player RCB could look to reacquire at the auction. The 27-year-old is on the cusp of a maiden international cap and has plenty of variations in his locker. He's also a decent lower-order hitter who can add a bit of batting depth.
Being a local player, Vyshak would add a ton of identity to the franchise as well. Despite being a relatively unfancied name, he's a genuine RTM candidate for the Royal Challengers.