Cricket

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has emphasized its commitment to fostering strong player relationships throughout their tenure with the franchise. This approach was evident in the recent departure of Glenn Maxwell, who was not retained for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.RCB's director of cricket, Mo Bobat, explained that the decision to call Maxwell and inform him of the non-retention was part of the franchise's culture of building and maintaining strong bonds with players. "At RCB, culture isn't just about the middle of the journey, where everyone is together. It's about building strong bonds at the start and honouring them at the end," Bobat said.Maxwell, who scored 1266 runs in 52 games for RCB, expressed his appreciation for the open and respectful communication he received from the franchise. "It was a very beautiful exit meeting. We ended up talking about the game for almost half an hour - talking about the strategy, and looking to go forward," Maxwell said.Bobat acknowledged the difficulty of parting ways with players but emphasized the importance of respecting their journeys and building a special team culture. "Saying goodbye to players is never easy, especially with so many shared memories. While it's sad to part ways, it's also an opportunity to bring in new heroes for RCB and our fans," he said.Maxwell's positive experience with RCB stands in contrast to that of his teammate Mitchell Starc, who was not retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite playing a key role in their 2024 IPL title victory. Starc expressed disappointment at not receiving any communication from KKR regarding his non-retention.RCB's approach to player relationships highlights the importance of transparency, respect, and maintaining strong connections both during and after a player's time with the franchise. This approach fosters a positive and supportive environment that benefits both the players and the team as a whole.

Virat Kohli's RCB Captaincy Return Rumors Quashed by FranchiseAs the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 retention lists were unveiled, speculation ran rampant about Virat Kohli's potential return as captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has dismissed these rumors, stating that no decision has been made regarding the team's captaincy.Kohli relinquished the RCB captaincy after the 2021 season, making way for a new leader. The franchise entrusted the responsibility to former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, who led the team for three seasons. However, with Du Plessis released from the squad, the question of RCB's captaincy in 2025 remains unanswered."I am sorry to disappoint everybody listening. We have not made any decision related to captaincy or on that (Kohli returning as skipper) as yet. We are open to options. The only obvious decision we made was not to retain Faf. He did a great job last year and the year before that. So from our perspective, we will keep a very open mind when we head to the auction," Bobat told JioCinema after the IPL 2025 retentions were announced.Despite the lack of official confirmation, reports suggest that Kohli is eager to reclaim the team's captaincy. However, no concrete decision has been made on the matter.Meanwhile, RCB coach Andy Flower has explained the rationale behind retaining Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal ahead of the new season."We are thrilled to retain Yash Dayal, an extraordinary talent whose career is on an upward trajectory. His unique ability as a left-arm bowler, capable of swinging the ball in both directions, adds a valuable dimension to our bowling attack - one that is increasingly rare in the auction landscape," he said."Rajat Patidar is a key member of our squad. His exceptional talent and resilience have already made a significant impact on our team, and he truly embodies the spirit of RCB. We are excited to see him continue to develop and shine in the upcoming season," the Zimbabwe legend added.

Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter, has been the heart and soul of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. His unwavering loyalty and exceptional performances have made him an icon for the franchise and a fan favorite.Kohli's journey with RCB has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by both triumphs and heartbreaks. He took over the captaincy in 2013 and led the team to four playoff appearances, including the final in 2016. However, the elusive IPL title has remained out of reach.Despite the lack of silverware, Kohli's contributions to RCB have been immense. He is the franchise's highest run-scorer and the all-time leading run-getter in IPL history, with over 8000 runs to his name. His ability to chase down targets, build innings, and score consistently has been crucial for RCB's success.Kohli's partnerships with AB de Villiers have produced some of the most memorable moments in IPL history. Their aggressive, fearless approach has set the tone for RCB's brand of cricket. Even after stepping down from the captaincy, Kohli remains a leader within the team, guiding young players and motivating teammates.In 2025, Kohli is set to return as RCB captain. The biggest question on everyone's mind is whether he can finally lead the franchise to their maiden IPL title. With his experience, leadership skills, and unwavering determination, Kohli is determined to make it happen.Kohli's legacy with RCB is undeniable. He has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, embodying their spirit and commitment. His loyalty and contributions have made him a symbol of RCB's identity. As he embarks on his second stint as captain, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if he can achieve the one goal that has eluded him so far: an IPL title with RCB.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has retained star batter Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025 auction, signaling their unwavering commitment to the talismanic player. In a heartfelt video message posted on social media, Kohli expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from RCB fans and vowed to strive for the elusive IPL title during the next three-year cycle."I'm very excited about the chance to create a squad at this auction," Kohli said. "As a franchise, as a team, we're looking ahead in this cycle. In the next three years, one of the goals obviously is to win the IPL title at least once. We're going to give our best shot as always, and I'll try to make everyone proud with the way we play our cricket."Kohli's retention as the top pick, commanding a salary of INR 21 crore, was an expected move given his long-standing association with the team since the IPL's inception in 2008. In his video message, Kohli reflected on his journey with RCB, noting that by the end of this new three-year cycle, he will have completed 20 years with the franchise. He described this milestone as a matter of immense pride and a testament to his enduring commitment to the team.Despite RCB's lack of an IPL title, Kohli acknowledged the incredible support from the fans, which remains unwavering and is largely attributed to his dedication and performances over the years. Kohli also shared his excitement about the upcoming mega auction, expressing confidence in the RCB management's ability to make strategic decisions that will bolster the team. He assured fans that the primary goal remains to win the IPL trophy, a dream that has eluded the franchise thus far.RCB's decision to retain Kohli, Patidar, and Dayal while releasing key players like Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell signifies a strategic shift aimed at restructuring the squad. With a substantial auction purse of INR 84 crore and three Right to Match (RTM) cards at their disposal, RCB are well-positioned to make impactful additions to their roster.Kohli's video message resonated with fans, reinforcing their hope and anticipation for a successful IPL 2025 season. As RCB heads into the mega auction, the focus will be on assembling a balanced and formidable squad capable of finally clinching the IPL title.

Virat Kohli's Return as RCB Captain: A Critical AnalysisAs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepares for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, the question of who will lead the franchise has become a topic of intense speculation. While Virat Kohli's name has been prominently mentioned, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns about the wisdom of such a move.Manjrekar argues that fans should set aside their admiration for Kohli and objectively assess his recent performances. He points out that Kohli's T20 batting has declined in recent years, and his captaincy record with RCB has been mixed."Just because he is Virat Kohli, 95% of fans want him to be the captain," said Manjrekar. "But if you just go by his performances, it is not that impressive."Manjrekar suggests that RCB fans consider the possibility of a different captain, someone who may be better suited to the demands of T20 cricket. He emphasizes that Kohli's past achievements should not overshadow the need for a critical evaluation."I just have one question from the fans," Manjrekar added. "If instead of Virat Kohli, there was someone else, you just remove Virat Kohli from your mind, and just look at his performance in the IPL, his batting and captaincy performance. Then you think whether it is the right decision to make him the captain."Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021, guiding the team to one IPL final in 2016. However, his batting form suffered a significant dip between 2020 and 2022. In the last two seasons, he has regained some of his old form, scoring over 600 runs and winning the Orange Cap in 2024.Despite his recent resurgence, Manjrekar believes that Kohli's overall T20 record does not warrant an automatic return to the captaincy. He suggests that RCB should explore other options, including younger players who may be better equipped to handle the challenges of modern T20 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.

Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, is set to make a grand return as the skipper of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision comes after extensive discussions between Kohli and the RCB management, who believe that his leadership is crucial at a time when the team is facing a leadership vacuum.Faf du Plessis, who led RCB in the previous cycle (2022-24), is now 40 years old, and the franchise has decided to hand over the reins to Kohli, who is still considered one of the best batsmen in the world. Kohli led RCB from 2013 to 2021, guiding the team to the playoffs on four occasions. They came agonizingly close to winning the title in 2016, losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.Kohli stepped down from RCB captaincy in 2021, but he has remained an integral part of the team. He has consistently been involved in the decision-making process and has provided valuable guidance to the younger players. RCB has never won an IPL trophy, and they hope that Kohli's return as captain will bring them the elusive title.The franchise has already begun preparations for the upcoming mega auction, which is less than a month away. They have identified Kohli as the leader and will now focus on filling the remaining gaps in the squad. Kohli has expressed his commitment to RCB, stating that he will play his last IPL game for the franchise.Even without the official captaincy, Kohli has been the de facto leader of RCB in recent years. He has always been fully engaged in the game, providing support and guidance to his teammates. RCB considered other captaincy options, including Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, but ultimately decided that Kohli was the best choice to lead the team forward.Kohli's return as RCB captain is a significant development for the franchise. He is a proven leader with a wealth of experience. His passion and commitment to the team are undeniable. With Kohli at the helm, RCB will be hoping to finally break their IPL title drought in 2025.

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.

The upcoming IPL mega-auction is set to witness a significant shake-up in team rosters, with several franchises eyeing the services of Rishabh Pant. The Delhi Capitals wicketkeeper-batter is reportedly likely to enter the auction pool due to his desire for captaincy, which the current DC management is hesitant to grant.Pant, who has been with the Capitals since 2016, has emerged as a highly sought-after player. His exceptional batting skills and leadership qualities have made him a prime target for teams in need of a captain. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are believed to be particularly interested in acquiring Pant, as they seek a replacement for the retiring Dinesh Karthik.Other franchises, including Lucknow Supergiants and Punjab Kings, are also expected to bid aggressively for Pant. Ricky Ponting, who has a close relationship with Pant from their time at the Capitals, is now in charge of the Punjab unit.The mega-auction, scheduled for the last week of November, is expected to feature a large pool of Indian stars, including Shreyas Iyer, who is unlikely to be a top retention for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Mumbai Indians, with their star-studded roster, are the only team likely to retain a significant number of players.Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have reportedly finalized their retention list, with Heinrich Klassen, Pat Cummins, and Abhishek Sharma as their three picks. The Right To Match (RTM) card is expected to be used aggressively in the auction, adding an extra layer of intrigue.