Sun Nov 24 04:53:14 UTC 2024: ## RCB Retains Kohli, Patidar, and Daya; Eyes Three More via RTM in IPL 2025 Auction

**Bengaluru, India** – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a team with a massive fan following despite never winning the IPL, has retained three key players for the upcoming 2025 season: Virat Kohli (₹21 crore), Rajat Patidar (₹11 crore), and Yash Dayal (₹5 crore). This strategic move leaves RCB with three Right to Match (RTM) cards, allowing them to potentially bring back several other players from the auction.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) allowed each franchise to retain up to six players. Teams retaining six players forfeit their RTM rights, while teams retaining fewer have the opportunity to use RTM cards to reclaim former players during the auction.

RCB’s primary RTM targets are speculated to be:

* **Mohammed Siraj:** A consistently strong bowler for RCB, with 83 wickets, and known for his economical bowling. He is likely to be highly sought after at the auction.

* **Will Jacks:** An explosive batsman and part-time spinner who impressed with a rapid century in IPL 2024.

* **Akash Deep:** A rising star in Indian Test cricket, considered one of India’s fastest-improving fast bowlers, and with a promising T20 record.

RCB’s decision to retain only three players, while securing Kohli’s services for a significant amount, suggests a focused strategy to bolster the team through shrewd RTM selections and strategic bidding in the auction. The team’s choices will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

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