Aakash Chopras opinion favors Virat Kohli as the primary retention choice for RCB in the upcoming IPL 2025 auction. Additionally he posits that the former RCB captain may be open to reassuming the leadership role next season.
RCB made it to the playoffs in IPL 2024 after an unbelievable comeback, but were eliminated by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator. Kohli won the Orange Cap for the just ended season. In 15 innings, the opener scored 741 runs with a strikeout percentage of 154.69.
In a video posted to his YouTube account, Chopra stated that Virat Kohli should not just be RCB’s first retention but also be eager to reclaim the leadership role.
“One guy to retain is Virat Kohli. Of course, he comes as the first retention and you need to keep Virat Kohli with you, both Bengaluru and Kohli believe that. So I am seeing another three-year retention. For all we know, Virat Kohli might want to be the leader again, or else you have to go shopping for a leader.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener does not expect the Bengaluru-based franchise to keep Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Alzarri Joseph, or Lockie Ferguson.
“I feel Faf du Plessis might not be on the retention list for the simple reason that you are looking at a three-year future and Faf is not getting younger by the day. It’s a pivotal moment where you have to decide between immediate future and long-term gain.”
“So Faf might be released there. I don’t think they would want to retain Glenn Maxwell at all. They will say tata bye-bye. Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson – tata bye-bye to everyone.”
Aakash Chopra
Faf du Plessis emerged as the second highest run scorer for RCB in IPL 2024 amassing 438 runs at an impressive strike rate of 161.62 in 15 innings. Meanwhile Maxwells performance was lackluster as he scored only 52 runs at a feeble average of 5.78 across nine innings.
Ferguson took nine wickets at an economy rate of 10.62 in seven innings this season. Joseph took one wicket and gave an average of 11.89 runs per over in three games.
“They might be able to build their team around Cameron Green” – Aakash Chopra on RCB’s other potential retentions
Cameron Green was chosen by Aakash Chopra as the second player RCB should consider keeping.
“One more player they might want to retain is Cameron Green because they might be able to build their team around Cameron Green, and Cameron Green is the kind of all-rounder that if he goes into the auction, he will take 14-15 crores. Although they couldn’t get him to bat where he should have, he is a bowler and batter and hits decently.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned Rajat Patidar and Mohammed Siraj as two players the three-time finalists may keep.
“Think about Rajat Patidar, whether you want to retain him. If he goes into the auction, he will also go for five to six crores. Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj – maybe Mohammed Siraj and that’s about it. I don’t think this team needs to retain anyone apart from them. Three or four max, they would neither want to retain more people than that nor use the ‘Right to Match’ card for them.”
Aakash Chopra
In the captivating season of IPL 2024 Rajat Patidar showcased exceptional talent by scoring an impressive tally of 395 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 177.13 in just 13 innings. On the bowling front Siraj’s performance was equally outstanding as he grabbed 15 crucial wickets at an economy rate of 9.18 throughout 14 games.