RCB’s Big Moves in the 2025 IPL Auction: Building a Title-Winning Squad

The 2025 IPL Mega Auction has set the stage for another electrifying season, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) making bold moves to assemble a competitive squad. Armed with a massive purse of ₹89 crores after retaining only three core players — Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, and Rajat Patidar, RCB adopted an aggressive strategy on the auction floor.

Key Signings by RCB

• Josh Hazlewood (₹12.5 crores): Returning to RCB, Hazlewood strengthens their pace attack, complementing Yash Dayal.
• Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crores): The English all-rounder brings versatility with explosive batting and handy spin.
• Phil Salt (₹11.5 crores): Acquired as a long-term replacement for Faf du Plessis, Salt offers dynamic opening options.
• Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crores): This Indian wicketkeeper-batter provides middle-order stability and power-hitting.
• Rasikh Salam Dar (₹6 crores): A promising pacer, Dar emerged as one of the costliest uncapped buys.
• Suyash Sharma (₹2.6 crores): A young spinner, Sharma adds depth to RCB’s spin department.

Auction Dynamics

RCB invested ₹52.35 crores on Day 1, leaving ₹30.65 crores for Day 2 to fill 9–16 slots, including five overseas player spots. With a balanced blend of experience and emerging talent, the team looks poised for a title run【6】【7】【8】.

Strategic Focus

RCB’s retention of Kohli, Patidar, and Dayal signals a commitment to building a squad around their proven performers. The addition of versatile players like Livingstone and Salt aligns with their vision to field a flexible playing XI, capable of adapting to varying match conditions.