3 Marquee players RCB should target in IPL 2025 auction ft. Yuzvendra Chahal
Over the years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made several bold decisions and occasional missteps when it comes to player selections in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions.
As RCB gear up for the 2025 mega auction, they have retained three players — Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal — while parting ways with some big names such as Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj.
Du Plessis, who joined RCB ahead of the 2022 season and was appointed captain, has had a stellar run with the team. Under his leadership, RCB made the playoffs in two out of three seasons, missing out only in 2023. In 45 matches, Faf accumulated 1636 runs, including 15 fifties.
Despite his excellent fitness and consistent batting performances, RCB, with an eye on the future, may have decided to release him due to his age (40) and the team’s long-term vision.
Glenn Maxwell, another big-name release, had a disappointing 2024 season, managing just 52 runs in 10 games. However, across four seasons, the Australian all-rounder has been a valuable contributor, amassing 1266 runs and 12 fifties. Despite his previous impact, Maxwell’s recent form likely influenced RCB's decision to let him go.
Perhaps the most surprising release was that of Mohammed Siraj. Siraj has been a consistent performer for RCB since 2018, taking 83 wickets in 87 matches and playing a vital role in their bowling attack. His release raises eyebrows, but there remains the possibility that RCB could use their Right to Match (RTM) option to bring him back to the team.
With no guarantee that RCB will be able to reacquire Maxwell or Siraj, the franchise must look for new marquee players to fill these key gaps. In this article, we explore three players RCB should target in the IPL 2025 auction, who could provide the balance and firepower needed to strengthen their squad and push for the title.
3 players RCB should target in IPL 2025 auction
#3 Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami made a much-anticipated return to competitive cricket recently, delivering a stellar performance for Bengal in their 2024-25 Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, where he took seven wickets.
At 34, Shami’s return to form has sparked interest, especially in light of RCB's release of Siraj. If the franchise is unable to re-sign Siraj, Shami could be the ideal replacement as someone who can complement Yash Dayal and lead their pace attack.
One of Shami's greatest strengths is his vast experience. With over a decade of international cricket behind him, he has consistently proven his ability to deliver under pressure. His pace and swing make him an effective weapon in the powerplay, where he can strike early. On top of that, Shami has become known for his prowess in the death overs — an area RCB has often struggled in.
Shami’s IPL record speaks for itself, as he has picked up 127 wickets in 110 matches. His best season came in 2023 when he claimed 28 wickets in 17 games. Over the past few years, he has shown his immense value to whichever team he has played for.
What really sets Shami apart is his ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes moments. Whether in the IPL or international cricket, he has often delivered when it matters most, taking crucial wickets at key junctures. This is exactly the kind of mentality RCB need if they are to finally end their title drought.
#2 Yuzvendra Chahal
One of the biggest mistakes RCB made was not retaining Yuzvendra Chahal ahead of the 2022 season. While Wanindu Hasaranga impressed with 26 wickets in 2022, RCB have struggled in the spin department over the last two seasons, failing to make an impact.
If RCB are serious about turning things around, they should target Chahal. The 34-year-old remains RCB's all-time leading wicket-taker in the IPL, with 139 wickets in 113 games. He has a stellar record at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, taking 52 wickets in 42 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.72.
Chahal is also India's leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 96 wickets in 80 games, despite not playing an international match in over a year. In the IPL, he's the only bowler with over 200 wickets, sitting at the top of the list with 205 wickets in 160 games.
A proven match-winner, Chahal has the experience, skill, and temperament to thrive in the IPL. His ability to bowl in all phases of the game, especially the middle overs, would make him a valuable asset to RCB’s bowling attack. With his familiarity with the team and his outstanding IPL record, Chahal could be the key to RCB's success in IPL 2025.
#1 KL Rahul
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) need a captain, a solid wicketkeeper, and a reliable Indian batter — and the answer to all these needs could very well be the local boy, KL Rahul. After some tension with his former franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rahul is set to return to the auction, and RCB should be ready to break the bank for him.
KL Rahul’s versatility is one of his key strengths. While he is widely regarded as one of the top openers in T20 cricket, he has also excelled in the middle order when required. This adaptability would give RCB the flexibility to adjust their batting lineup according to match conditions, offering a strategic edge in T20s.
With 4683 IPL runs at an average of 45.47 and a strike rate of 134.61, Rahul has consistently delivered under pressure. His ability to anchor the innings or accelerate when needed makes him a match-winner in any situation.
Rahul’s experience, leadership, and poise in crucial moments would be invaluable to RCB, who are still chasing their first IPL title. Whether opening the batting, stabilizing the innings, or guiding the team through high-pressure situations, Rahul brings the qualities RCB need to make a strong push for the IPL 2025 crown.