IPL Auction 2025: "I’m confused": Ex-RCB star blasts franchise for not buying KL Rahul

Former RCB player Robin Uthappa was clearly disappointed with the strategies and planning of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the IPL 2025 auction. Uthappa lashed out at the franchise for not going after KL Rahul after a particular amount and letting him go.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru bid for KL Rahul till INR 10.5 crore but ruled themselves out after that. Not only KL Rahul, the franchise did not show particular interest in other marquee Indian players like Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer too, which left Uthappa amused.

Also read: IPL Auction Live Day 2: RCB destroyed by Own Player After Bizarre Tactics On Day 1

Robin Uthappa blasts RCB for not signing KL Rahul

While speaking to Jio Cinema, Robin Uthappa was asked about RCB's strategies and planning for the upcoming season of IPL. The former RCB batter was confused about RCB's strategies and wondered why didn't the franchise go for big Indian players despite having a big purse.

“Three are my favourite sides are KKR, CSK and RCB. I have played for all three sides. I am telling you as a local Bengaluru boy, I am confused. I genuinely do not understand how you have the second-biggest purse and how you do not go for the big players in the marquee sets,” Uthappa wondered.

RCB had the second-biggest purse for the IPL 2025 auction after Punjab Kings. They had 83 crores left in their purse before the auction. Currently, they have INR 30.65 crore remaining and they will be looking to use it to good effect on Day 2 of the auction.

RCB management let their fans down - Robin Uthappa

Uthappa didn't stop here and even claimed that the RCB management had let their strong fan base down with their poor planning in the auction. He mentioned that the team should have gone after a few more international players since the franchise is looking for a new direction.

“You did not make more than one pick. When you are trying to rebuild your side, when you are looking for a new direction, you have got the fans backing you year after year, they put their emotions, they are thronging the stadium year after year," Uthappa claimed

"When you go through social media, it seems they are let down. I, as a fan of RCB and former player, I feel like they missed a trick. You just wonder where they are heading,” he added.

A no. of big international players like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Mitchell Starc, and Jos Buttler were up for bids on the first day of the IPL 2025 mega auction. However, RCB didn't sign any of these players.

KL Rahul started his IPL career while playing for RCB. Since then, KL Rahul has grown into one of the most consistent players in the tournament.

RCB's most expensive player on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed six players on Day 1 of the IPL 2025 auction. Out of those six players, three were overseas, one player was capped while the remaining one was an uncapped one. The most expensive player for RCB was Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who was signed for INR 12.5 crore.

With RCB not picking up any big Indian name on Day 1, the second day of the IPL 2025 auction becomes an important one for them. The franchise will be looking for a captain who can lead the team for years to come.

Faf du Plessis has been leading them for the last three years but he was not retained by the franchise this time. But if they are unable to find a good captain this time, Virat Kohli can also step up to lead the team.