- Virat Kohli: Retention rules have been issued for IPL 2025. Now all teams will be allowed to retain 5 players before the new season, while one player can be included in the team through RTM. After which now the teams have started preparing for the players to be retained.
Cricket experts are also giving their opinions on retention. Meanwhile, the former Indian fast bowler has made a big statement about Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team’s biggest player Virat Kohli.
Source: Social Media
This player gave a surprising statement
Virat Kohli has been a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore team for a long time. He is the biggest player of this team. Since 2008, RCB has never left Virat’s side. He has also captained this team for many years. It is certain that RCB will retain Kohli first for IPL 2025. Former Indian cricketer RP Singh has also given his opinion on this.
RCB will retain only Virat Kohli
RP Singh believes that this time Bangalore will retain Kohli. This team is not going to go for 5 retentions. Talking on Jio Cinema, he said,
“I think this time RCB should go with a new mindset. RCB will retain only Virat Kohli and release all the other players. However, during the auction, the team can buy its favorite players using the Right to Match. Will Rajat Patidar spend Rs 11 crore for RCB? For such players, RCB can buy them back at a lower price using the Right to Match.”
RP Singh Said only Retained Virat Kohli & Use RTM for Other Players 😍✨#IPLRetention #IPL2025 #JioStudios @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/5BbjWNhxl5
— Cricktainment (@Cricktainments) September 29, 2024
Was the Orange Cap winner in IPL 2024
Virat Kohli was the Orange Camp winner in IPL 2024. Throughout the season, he played many explosive innings and became the highest run-scorer. In IPL 2024, Kohli scored 741 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of over 154. In which 5 half-centuries and a century came from his bat. Apart from this, he has so far scored 8004 runs in 252 matches for this team.
As the excitement for IPL 2025 builds up, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have once again found themselves in the spotlight. Known for their aggressive strategies and star-studded line-ups, RCB is no stranger to making bold decisions. Recently, a veteran cricketer made a surprising disclosure regarding the franchise’s retention strategy ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, suggesting that RCB may take a drastic approach and only retain their iconic player, Virat Kohli.
The Big Revelation: A Bold Retention Strategy
In a conversation that has left many cricket fans buzzing, a well-respected cricketing veteran revealed RCB’s possible game plan for the 2025 season. According to the veteran, the Bangalore-based franchise is likely to shake things up by retaining only their talisman, Virat Kohli. This potential decision would mark a significant shift in RCB’s strategy, considering the franchise has often retained multiple big-name players in the past.
The veteran, speaking on a popular sports show, said, “RCB has been in talks for a complete rebuild, and there’s a strong feeling within the camp that retaining Virat Kohli as their sole player might be the best move going forward. He has been the face of the franchise, and they want to build a new core around him.”
Why Only Virat Kohli?
For years, Virat Kohli has been synonymous with RCB. Since joining the team in the inaugural IPL season in 2008, Kohli has remained a loyal figure for the franchise. Despite stepping down as captain in 2021, Kohli’s influence on the team remains unmatched. His legendary performances, fiery spirit, and deep connection with Bangalore’s fan base have cemented him as RCB’s most important asset.
With RCB yet to win an IPL title despite coming close on multiple occasions, there have been increasing calls for a revamp of the squad. The veteran cricketer’s statement suggests that RCB might finally be ready to take the plunge and go for a near-total reset. By retaining only Kohli, the franchise would free up significant funds to bring in fresh talent during the auction and rebuild the team from scratch.
Impact on Other Big Stars
If RCB does indeed decide to retain only Virat Kohli, it would have major implications for other big names currently in the squad. Players like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Mohammed Siraj have been key contributors to the team in recent seasons, but this strategy could mean that RCB is looking to part ways with them to open up room for new faces.
The idea of a mass release of players would not only shake up RCB’s roster but would also impact the auction dynamics. A talent pool filled with stars like Maxwell and Siraj would attract major bids from other franchises, potentially leading to a bidding war.
Rebuilding RCB: A Fresh Start?
For years, RCB has been a team filled with individual brilliance but has struggled to find the perfect team combination to secure the elusive IPL trophy. The decision to rebuild the squad around Virat Kohli could be seen as an opportunity for the franchise to start fresh with new talent, young prospects, and a different approach.
One possible scenario is that RCB could focus on bringing in new overseas players, uncapped Indian talent, and emerging T20 specialists who could provide balance to the team. Kohli, who still commands respect as one of the world’s finest batsmen, could lead this new-look side as they aim to finally break their title drought.
The Emotional Factor: Kohli and RCB’s Unbreakable Bond
Retaining only Virat Kohli would also be a symbolic move. Kohli’s loyalty to RCB over the years has been unwavering, even during the tough times when the team failed to qualify for playoffs or suffered heavy defeats. His deep-rooted connection with the fans in Bangalore and his emotional bond with the franchise make him the ideal candidate to be retained as the face of this new chapter in RCB’s history.
Fans have long adored Kohli’s passion for the franchise, and retaining him would keep that emotional core intact. However, it remains to be seen how they would react to the departure of other fan favorites, as players like du Plessis and Maxwell have also garnered a significant fan following during their time with the team.
Potential Auction Targets for RCB
With the potential release of big names and a hefty purse going into the auction, RCB would have the flexibility to target key players who could complement Kohli. Some areas the team could focus on include:
- Top-order Firepower: RCB might look to secure young, aggressive top-order batsmen to support Kohli at the crease. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ruturaj Gaikwad could be on RCB’s radar.
- All-Rounders: Given the importance of balance in T20 cricket, RCB could prioritize acquiring quality all-rounders like Hardik Pandya or Ben Stokes (if available), who can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Pacers: A strong pace attack has often been RCB’s Achilles’ heel. With enough funds in hand, they might target top-tier fast bowlers like Kagiso Rabada or Jasprit Bumrah.
- Spin Bowling Options: The release of Yuzvendra Chahal in 2022 raised eyebrows, and if RCB parts ways with Wanindu Hasaranga, they would need to bring in quality spinners to control the middle overs.
Conclusion: A Bold Move for a New Era?
As IPL 2025 approaches, this potential strategy of retaining only Virat Kohli could mark a significant shift in RCB’s approach. The decision to part ways with other big names in favor of a new, younger squad signals a potential long-term vision aimed at building a more balanced team that can compete for titles in the future.
While this revelation has stirred discussions, only time will tell if RCB will indeed go down this path and how it will shape their fortunes in the 2025 season and beyond. One thing is for sure—if this strategy comes to fruition, RCB will enter the IPL 2025 auction as one of the most talked-about teams, and fans will eagerly await to see what this new era holds for Virat Kohli and his team.