IPL 2025: RCB's retention strategy exposed openly; Virat Kohli's fate sealed

Former Indian cricketer and popular commentator Aakash Chopra has created a buzz with his bold take on the retention strategy of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the mega auction for the upcoming IPL 2025.

In a surprising analysis on his YouTube channel, Chopra suggested a complete overhaul of Royal Challengers Bangalore's star-studded squad, as he predicted that one of the most beloved IPL franchises will retain just a handful of players while letting go of several big names ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Chopra believes that the Royal Challengers Bangalore must build a squad around some unconventional choices. As obvious, the cricket analyst’s first pick for retention is none other than Virat Kohli.

Aakash Chopra proposes radical RCB overhaul ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction

Chopra emphasized that Kohli is synonymous with RCB, and losing him would be unthinkable, given his long-standing association with the franchise and immense influence both on and off the field.

However, he surprised many by picking Cameron Green as his second choice for retention for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. With a staggering INR 14 crore retention budget, Chopra believes that the Australian all-rounder could be a game-changer for the Royal Challengers Bangalore if utilized effectively and he can be groomed as an opener.

Surprisingly, the former Indian batter said that Royal Challengers Bangalore should let go of their captains Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell, as he advocated for retaining Rajat Patidar because he could be a crucial middle-order batter and the team can build a stable batting unit around him.

Chopra then stunned many by letting go of Mohammed Siraj, a key pace spearhead for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Indian cricket team, saying investing in Yash Dayal would be handy for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Interestingly, Chopra overlooked several familiar faces, as he feels Royal Challengers Bangalore should release players like Akash Deep and focus on building a squad that blends fresh talent with a few strategic international stars.

RCB is equal to Virat Kohli and Virat Kohli is equal to RCB: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “The first thing is the 18-crore retention, and without a shadow of a doubt, it has to be Virat Kohli. Because RCB is equal to Kohli and Kohli is equal to RCB. It is the same. Now, in the second retention, my vote was because it is a 14-crore retention, so my personal vote was for Cameron Green.

He is a very strong player. If we run it properly, with the kind of skills he has in the field, I will start making him open. And he will give me overs in bowling too. And he has got a fantastic future ahead of him. My third choice will be Rajat Patidar. I’m not thinking about Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell.

In fact, because the next retention is 18 crores, I am not even thinking about Siraj. Let him go and Akash Deep as well. Let everyone go. There is only one player who is uncapped, on whom only 4 crore rupees will be spent, and that is Yash Dayal. I think I will stop Yash Dayal in 4 crores.”

In the end, Chopra highlighted RCB's high expectations, strong marketing, and passionate fanbase, saying this team has always been a high-profile team. But he emphasized that without an IPL trophy, their performance remains under scrutiny, needing a title to complete their journey.

As the #IPL2025 Auction approaches, the big question around #RCB is their captain: Will they retain Faf du Plessis? Or go back to Virat Kohli?

I share my take on that, and their retention strategy in this morning’s #AakashVani. https://t.co/UBz8iMjdUx pic.twitter.com/l82tSY9Xjr

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 5, 2024