As the IPL 2025 mega auction approaches, former Indian cricketer RP Singh has offered some straightforward advice to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): retain Virat Kohli and release everyone else. This bold suggestion has sparked considerable discussion among cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike.
SOURCE : ZEE
RP Singh, known for his candid opinions, shared his thoughts during a recent interview with Colors Cineplex. He emphasized the importance of building the team around Kohli, who has been a cornerstone of RCB since the inception of the IPL. “Virat Kohli is not just a player; he is the heartbeat of RCB. His consistency, leadership, and brand value are unparalleled. Retaining him should be the top priority,” Singh stated.
Source:- bbc news
Kohli’s performance in the previous season was nothing short of spectacular. He won the Orange Cap, scoring 741 runs in 15 matches, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. His presence on the field and in the dressing room has been instrumental in RCB’s strategies and morale.
RP Singh’s strategy involves using the Right to Match (RTM) cards for key players like Mohammed Siraj and Rajat Patidar. The RTM card allows a team to match the highest bid for a player they previously released, effectively reacquiring them. Singh believes this approach could be financially beneficial for RCB. “If we see the value taking Rajat Patidar as an example, will we get him for more or less than 11 crores at the auction? I feel you will get Rajat Patidar for fewer. So you get him back at the auction. Even if he reaches close to 11 crores, you have the RTM which you can use there,” Singh explained.
Similarly, Singh suggested that Mohammed Siraj, whose performance has been crucial for RCB, might not command an exorbitant price in the auction. “Siraj, performance-wise, you will have to again judge whether you will get him close to 11 crores. I don’t think Siraj will reach close to 14 crores. They will always have the option that if he reaches there, you can use the RTM,” he added.
Singh’s advice comes at a time when RCB is contemplating a significant overhaul of their squad. The franchise has star players like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Will Jacks, but Singh believes that a fresh approach centered around Kohli could be the key to breaking their IPL trophy drought. “They need Virat, he has contributed a lot to the franchise, and Virat is the most important player as well. So they should think about building the team around him, or with a new thought. I don’t see anyone else apart from Virat Kohli having a value of 18 or 14 crores in this team,” Singh stated.
The suggestion to retain only Kohli and release other players has elicited mixed reactions from fans. While some agree with Singh’s assessment of Kohli’s irreplaceable value, others are concerned about the potential risks of such a drastic strategy. The upcoming auction will be a critical juncture for RCB, as they aim to assemble a squad capable of clinching their first IPL title.
RCB’s management has yet to officially respond to Singh’s advice, but the cricketing world is abuzz with speculation. The team’s performance in the next season will be closely watched, especially if they decide to implement Singh’s recommendations.
As the IPL 2025 mega auction draws nearer, the decisions made by RCB will undoubtedly shape the future of the franchise. Whether they choose to follow RP Singh’s blunt advice or take a different path, one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher for the Bangalore-based team.
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