Cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has made strategic decisions ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, retaining three key players while releasing several others. The franchise has opted to retain Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, while parting ways with captain Faf du Plessis, all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Will Jacks, and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj.The decision to retain Kohli, the former RCB captain and Indian batting legend, comes as no surprise. Kohli has been a cornerstone of the franchise since 2008, leading the team to the IPL final in 2016 and 2021. His experience, leadership, and batting prowess make him an invaluable asset.Patidar, a rising star in Indian cricket, has also earned his retention. The right-handed batter emerged as a key performer for RCB in the 2023 season, scoring 333 runs in 16 matches at an average of 25.62 and a strike rate of 152.78. His ability to play both as an opener and in the middle order adds versatility to the team.Yash Dayal, an uncapped left-arm pacer, has also been retained by RCB. The 25-year-old impressed with his performances in the 2023 season, taking 13 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 26.69 and an economy rate of 8.23. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace makes him a promising prospect for the future.The decision to release Siraj, a key member of the RCB bowling attack, was a difficult one. The right-arm pacer has been a consistent performer for the franchise since joining in 2018, taking 83 wickets in 87 matches. However, RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, explained that the team wanted to enter the auction with as many options open as possible, especially to build a balanced bowling attack.Bobat emphasized the importance of prioritizing a strong Indian core during the auction phase, which is reflected in the retention choices. He expressed confidence that the retained players will continue to make significant contributions to the team's success.

Domestic Cricket Thrills: Patidar's Century, Delhi's Dominance, and Mumbai's DrawThe Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket tournament, has witnessed a thrilling week of action. Madhya Pradesh's Rajat Patidar stole the show with a lightning-fast century, while Delhi and Baroda registered emphatic victories. Defending champions Mumbai, however, were held to a draw by Tripura.Patidar's Blazing CenturyMadhya Pradesh batter Rajat Patidar set the stage alight with a blistering century against Haryana. He reached the three-figure mark in just 68 balls, becoming the fifth-fastest centurion in Ranji Trophy history. Patidar's innings helped Madhya Pradesh post a formidable total, but Haryana fought back to earn a hard-fought draw.Delhi's Dominant WinDelhi secured their first outright victory of the season with a comprehensive 10-wicket triumph over Assam. Openers Sanat Sangwan and Gagan Vats chased down the target of 59 runs without losing a wicket, securing a bonus point for their team.Mumbai Held to DrawMumbai, the defending champions, were held to a draw by Tripura after taking a first-innings lead. Tripura's Bikramkumar Das and Jiwanjot Singh played unbeaten knocks to guide their team to safety.Baroda's Innings VictoryBaroda skipper Krunal Pandya led from the front with a century, while Shivalik Sharma and Vishnu Solanki also made significant contributions. Their efforts helped Baroda secure an innings and 98-run victory over Odisha.Other Match ResultsIn other matches, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Baroda, Karnataka, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Railways, and Vidarbha emerged victorious. Punjab and Uttar Pradesh played out a draw, while Bengal and Kerala's match was unfinished.

Rajat Patidar's scintillating century on Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy match against Haryana has sent a resounding message to his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With the IPL retention deadline looming on October 31, Patidar's blistering knock has put him firmly in contention for a place in RCB's retained squad.Patidar's unbeaten 100 came off just 68 balls, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. His innings helped Madhya Pradesh recover from a 132-run deficit in the first innings. The knock has not only boosted MP's chances of victory but has also caught the attention of RCB, who are yet to finalize their list of retained players.RCB currently has only one confirmed retention in star batter Virat Kohli. The future of captain Faf du Plessis and other key players remains uncertain. With teams allowed to retain a maximum of six players, RCB has a crucial decision to make.Patidar's century has put him in a strong position to be one of RCB's retained players. His impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, coupled with his consistent showings in the IPL, makes him a valuable asset for any team.The IPL retention rules allow teams to retain a maximum of five capped players and two uncapped Indian players. Patidar, who has yet to make his international debut, would be classified as an uncapped player for retention purposes.The purse for the mega auction has been increased to INR 120 crore, giving each franchise a larger budget to work with. The price for retaining uncapped players remains set at INR 4 crore.Patidar's century has not only boosted his chances of IPL retention but has also sent a clear message to RCB. The young batter is ready to take on a bigger role in the team and is determined to make a significant contribution to their success.

RCB's Retention Strategy: RP Singh Advises Prioritizing Virat KohliFormer Indian pacer RP Singh has urged Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to prioritize retaining Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. With the announcement of IPL retention rules allowing franchises to retain up to six players or re-acquire players through RTMs (Right to Match), Singh believes Kohli should remain a cornerstone of the team.Singh suggests that RCB release all other players and utilize the RTM to reacquire valuable players like Mohammed Siraj and Rajat Patidar. He argues that these players can be acquired for less than their potential auction value, allowing RCB to build a strong team around Kohli."I feel they don't have any problem. They will just retain Virat Kohli, release everyone else, and use the RTM. If we see the value taking Rajat Patidar as an example, will we get him for more or less than 11 crores at the auction?" Singh said."I feel you will get Rajat Patidar for fewer. So you get him back at the auction. Even if he reaches close to 11 crores, you have the RTM which you can use there," he added.Singh believes that Siraj's performance may also warrant the use of the RTM, but he does not anticipate the pacer reaching a value close to 14 crores."Siraj, performance-wise, you will have to again judge whether you will get him close to 11 crores. I don't think Siraj will reach close to 14 crores. They will always have the option that if he reaches there, you can use the RTM," he said.Singh emphasizes that RCB should enter the auction with a fresh approach, focusing on building the team around Kohli. He believes that Kohli's contributions and value to the franchise make him an indispensable asset."So they should go with a new mindset. They need Virat, he has contributed a lot to the franchise, and Virat is the most important player as well. So they should think about building the team around him, or with a new thought. I don't see anyone else apart from Virat Kohli having a value of 18 or 14 crores in this team," Singh opined.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) face a crucial encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, with the match being dubbed as a virtual knockout in the race for the IPL 2024 playoffs. After a dismal start to the season, losing seven of their first eight league matches, RCB has staged a remarkable comeback, winning five consecutive matches.A victory over CSK in Bengaluru on Saturday could potentially secure RCB's place in the playoffs, depending on their Net Run Rate (NRR). Middle-order batter Rajat Patidar, who has been instrumental in RCB's resurgence, attributes the team's turnaround to their renewed focus on "playing for pride.""The support from the franchise and the team management allows the players to perform their best on the field," said Patidar. "The environment was positive even when things weren't going our way, which has helped build the team's character."Patidar has emerged as a key contributor for RCB, scoring 320 runs at an impressive strike rate of 179.8, including five half-centuries in his last seven outings. He is RCB's third-highest run-scorer behind Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis.Patidar also praised Kohli's leadership, stating, "He always puts the team first, which is a valuable lesson for every player."For RCB to qualify for the playoffs, they must defeat CSK and hope that their NRR is superior to other teams vying for the fourth spot. They also require Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to lose both their remaining matches or Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to not win their last match by a significant margin.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has found a new batting hero in Rajat Patidar, who has transformed the team's fortunes in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. After a dismal start, RCB has won five consecutive matches, largely due to Patidar's explosive batting at No. 4.Patidar's rise has been a revelation for RCB, which has long struggled with a weak middle order. In the past, the team relied heavily on its star-studded top order of Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and A.B. de Villiers. However, with these players no longer in the lineup, RCB needed a new source of runs.Patidar has stepped up to the plate in spectacular fashion. In his five half-centuries this season, he has displayed a combination of power and elegance. He has also shown a remarkable ability to handle spin bowling, which has been a major weakness for RCB in the past.In Sunday's win over Delhi Capitals, Patidar scored 52 runs from 32 balls, including three sixes against India's frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. His innings was a testament to his ability to read spinners off the hand and pick the length early.Patidar's success has been a result of hard work and determination. After missing the entire 2023 IPL season due to injury, he returned this year with a renewed sense of purpose. He has also benefited from the guidance of RCB's coaching staff, which has helped him develop his game.Patidar's resurgence has been a major boost for RCB, which is now in contention for a playoff spot. His ability to score runs consistently at a high strike rate has given the team a much-needed boost in confidence.

RCB's Resurgence: Du Plessis Emphasizes Self-Belief After Thrashing Delhi CapitalsRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Faf du Plessis hailed his team's newfound confidence after their emphatic 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The win marked RCB's fifth consecutive triumph, bolstering their playoff aspirations.Rajat Patidar's blistering half-century and inspired bowling performance laid the foundation for RCB's success. Patidar's 52 off 32 deliveries propelled Bangalore to a competitive 187-9, while the bowlers restricted Delhi to a mere 140 in 19.1 overs.Du Plessis lauded his team's collective effort, highlighting their resilience and unity. "We have put up a great performance. It's just confidence," he said. "First half of the season, we were just fighting for it. Now, we have bowled opposition out three times or so."The RCB skipper attributed their bowling prowess to the variety of options at his disposal. "I feel there is a lot of variety in bowling as a skipper, six-seven options," he explained. "Yash [Dhawal Kulkarni] has been an exception. Lockie [Ferguson] has been brilliant."Du Plessis emphasized the importance of taking risks and playing aggressively. "We want to be bold," he said. "Even today, we played swing up front and bounce upfront, we had 60-odd in powerplay, guys are pushing."RCB's resurgence has been a testament to their hard work and determination behind closed doors. "Lot of work has gone behind the scenes," Du Plessis said. "I feel like behind closed doors, we are getting it right, we are talking about our process and what we need to achieve."With their playoff hopes firmly in sight, RCB will look to continue their winning streak in their upcoming matches. Their newfound self-belief and collective spirit will be crucial as they aim to secure a berth in the IPL playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their impressive run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, securing a crucial 47-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday. This triumph marks RCB's fifth consecutive win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.RCB's victory propelled them to 12 points from 13 matches, setting the stage for a thrilling final league match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). A win against CSK would elevate RCB to 14 points, positioning them favorably for a Top 4 finish. However, RCB must secure a significant margin of victory to improve their Net Run Rate (NRR) and surpass CSK, who recently defeated Rajasthan Royals.Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) remain in contention for the playoffs, but they require RCB to lose one of their remaining two matches to qualify. DC and Gujarat Titans (GT) could also reach 14 points, but their disappointing NRRs make their qualification prospects appear unlikely.RCB's victory was fueled by a brilliant bowling and fielding performance that restricted DC to a mere 140 runs in 19.1 overs. Despite managing only 187 for 9 in their innings, RCB's bowlers proved dominant. Rajat Patidar's blazing half-century (52 off 32 balls) and Will Jacks' contribution (41 off 28 balls) had earlier propelled RCB to a respectable total.Yash Dayal (3/20) and Cameron Green (1/19) were instrumental in DC's batting collapse, with none of the Delhi batters, except for stand-in skipper Axar Patel (57 off 39 balls), making a significant impact.Patel attributed DC's defeat to dropped catches and a poor start in the powerplay. "Dropped catches hurt us. Could've restricted them to 150. When you lose four wickets in powerplay, you're always chasing the game. 160-170 would've been a par score. Pitch was two-paced. Some were skidding, some were holding. When your main players are run out and you lose four in powerplay, you're chasing the game. Anything can happen, but haven't thought that far ahead," he said after the match.With this victory, RCB has strengthened their position in the playoff race. Their final league match against CSK will be a crucial encounter that could determine their fate in the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a crucial 60-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Thursday, keeping their playoff hopes alive.Virat Kohli was the star of the show for RCB, smashing a blistering 92 off 47 deliveries. He formed a formidable partnership with Rajat Patidar, who contributed a quickfire 55 off 23 balls. Cameron Green also chipped in with a valuable 46 off 27 balls, helping RCB post a formidable total of 241/7.In response, PBKS got off to a flying start thanks to Rilee Rossouw's explosive 61 off 27 balls. However, Karn Sharma's twin breakthroughs triggered a collapse, and PBKS were eventually bowled out for 181 in 17 overs.Swapnil Singh, Karn, and Lockie Ferguson claimed two wickets each for RCB, while Mohammed Siraj picked up three.Kohli's innings was a masterclass in batting. He timed the ball to perfection, using his feet and wrists to find the boundaries with ease. He reached his fifty in just 32 balls and continued to accelerate, hitting seven fours and six maximums.Patidar provided the early momentum for RCB, smashing six maximums and three fours during his 23-ball 55. After Patidar's dismissal, Kohli and Green continued the onslaught, taking RCB past the 200-mark.PBKS's chase started brightly, with Rossouw looking unstoppable. However, Karn's breakthroughs turned the tide in RCB's favor. Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, and Shashank Singh all fell in quick succession, leaving PBKS reeling at 126/5.Sam Curran and Ashutosh Sharma offered some resistance, but it was too little too late. RCB's bowlers maintained their discipline, ensuring that PBKS never got back into the game.With this victory, RCB moved to 10 points, while PBKS were eliminated from the playoff race. RCB will now face Delhi Capitals in their next match, while PBKS will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad.