The IPL 2025 mega auctions are around the corner and all team managers are preparing for it along with their coaches, mentors and skippers. Every possible team has tried to keep their core team, although some teams have made some stunning signings and left out several key players.
After the retentions were announced late last month, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings retained the least number of players. RCB only retained players like their experienced batsmen Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal, the two promising young players.
While PBKS retained only two of its key uncapped players, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, these two teams are left with the highest prize money in IPL history. RCB has INR 83 crores while PBKS has entered into that with a record amount of INR 110.5 crores in its pocket.
5 players who can start a bidding war between RCB and PBKS:
Liam Livingstone
The England all-rounder has been in dream form since returning to the England team after the T20 World Cup. Livingstone was equally effective with bat and ball despite recently being replaced as the ICC's No.1 T20I all-rounder.
Livingstone could be one of the RTM options for the Punjab Kings while RCB will also look to get his services to rebuild their squad for the IPL.
Kagiso Rabada
Rabada, the most experienced foreign bowler in the IPL in recent years, has always been an effective pace option for teams; hence, he could be the second RTM option that the Punjab Kings consider.
However, apart from the Kings and RCB, some other franchises like CSK and LSG, who are in search of an experienced pacer, would also look to target the Protea legend.
Yuzvendra Chahal
The Royals released their spin option, but didn't have much of a retention option left either; therefore, Chahal could travel to another part of India.
Chahal's spin ability made him the best wicket-taker in the format and the tournament, which could see him head back to the Chinnaswamy or the hills in Dharamshala or Mohali.
Rishabh pants
Many, like Irfan Pathan and Suresh Raina, expect Pant to be the highest bidded player in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Some have also predicted it could break Starc's record for the highest bid amount in the mega auction.
Pant may only be backed by the two biggest IPL franchises who have the secured amount of money required to acquire a high-stakes player like Pant.
Faf you Plessis
Faf was not retained by the Royal Challengers, perhaps because he could be taken on for less than the retention fee. Therefore, one could say that he is RCB's main target in the form of an RTM.
Du Plessis recently led the St. Lucia Kings in the CPL, an affiliate of the Kings, and since then he could be in high demand in the IPL as well, especially with a new mentor and the hope of lifting the title for the first time in the IPL.
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