IPL 2025: Ajay Jadeja, Aakash Chopra reveal RCB's retentions ahead of mega auction

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is expected to be ‘judicious’ with their player retentions ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. Former Indian cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Aakash Chopra shared their thoughts on Royal Challengers Bengaluru's retentions for the next IPL season.

On Saturday, September 28, the IPL Governing Council revealed player regulations for the upcoming mega auction. Each franchise can retain up to six players, including a maximum of five capped players via the retention or Right to Match (RTM) option before the mega auction, set to take place later this year.

The first capped player retention will cost Rs 18 crore, while the second and third will cost Rs 14 crore and Rs 11 crore, respectively. The fourth and fifth capped player retentions will cost Rs 18 crore and Rs 14 crore. These retention rules have been released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

IPL 2025: Don't Think Royal Challengers Bengaluru Will Be Able To Faf du Plessis - Aakash Chopra

Speaking on JioCinema Aakash Chopra expressed doubts about Royal Challengers Bengaluru retaining Faf du Plessis for the IPL 2025 season. Chopra questioned whether du Plessis would remain with the franchise for another three years, considering his age.

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Du Plessis' recent performance in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has not been impressive. Chopra added that all good things eventually come to an end.

“I don’t think they’ll be able to retain their captain. It’s not about his ability; it’s about his age. When you’re talking about a mega auction, it’s for the next three seasons," Chopra told JioCinema.

"You have to question if Faf will be a part of this franchise for three more years, and I personally don’t think that’s likely. He’s a very active cricketer, but he’s not excelling in the CPL right now. All good stories come to an end,” he added.

IPL 2025: Don’t Even Need To Discuss Virat Kohli - Ajay Jadeja

Speaking on JioCinema, Ajay Jadeja said that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will approach player retentions carefully. Jadeja said that Virat Kohli will be RCB's first retention, adding that they are changing players and styles every year. He predicted that they might retain only two or three players.

The former Indian skipper added that retaining Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal could be more of an emotional decision. Jadeja stated that Dayal might be preferred over Siraj if the backend remains the same for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

“We don’t even need to discuss Virat Kohli; it’s the same as (MS) Dhoni. I favour Rajat Patidar, whether it’s his style or his role in RCB’s revival. He’s the future. In the 4 CR range, you have Anuj Rawat, who has played well alongside Patidar. Wicketkeeper-batsmen are rare commodities, especially of high quality,” Jadeja said.

“In terms of overseas players, I think they like changing players and styles every year. I think they’re going to retain a total of two or three players. I believe retaining Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal will be an emotional decision. If the backend remains the same, then there is a chance that Dayal gets picked before Siraj. If not, then the new personnel in charge will look at starting from scratch. So, due to the RTM, I think not as many players will get retained,” he added.

Virat Kohli (741), Faf du Plessis (438), and Rajat Patidar (395) were the leading run-scorers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the recent IPL. Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj each took 15 wickets. Faf du Plessis guided RCB to the playoffs, but their quest for their maiden title ended in the Eliminator.

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