Mon Nov 25 04:57:14 UTC 2024: ## RCB Splurges on Hazelwood and Sharma in IPL 2025 Mega Auction
**Bengaluru, India** – Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a significant splash at the IPL 2025 mega auction, securing the services of Australian fast bowler Josh Hazelwood for a whopping ₹12.50 crore and Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma for ₹11 crore. The acquisitions address key needs for the franchise, bolstering their pace attack and adding a second high-profile wicketkeeper-batsman to their squad.
The bidding for Hazelwood, who previously played for RCB, was intense, with KKR and Lucknow Super Giants initially showing interest before withdrawing around ₹10 crore. Mumbai Indians also competed for his signature, but RCB ultimately secured the bowler. This represents a significant increase from his previous salary of ₹7.75 crore.
Jitesh Sharma, who played for Punjab Kings last season for a mere ₹20 lakh, saw his salary increase by a staggering 5500% after a bidding war involving Chennai Super Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Punjab Kings matched a ₹7 crore bid using their Right to Match (RTM) card, but RCB ultimately won the battle.
In addition to these key acquisitions, RCB also added England’s explosive batsman Phil Salt to their roster.
Hazelwood has taken 12 wickets in 12 IPL matches, while Sharma boasts 730 runs in 40 IPL appearances. The additions of Hazelwood and Sharma, along with Salt, significantly strengthen RCB’s squad for the upcoming season. The updated RCB squad now includes Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, and Josh Hazelwood. The auction also saw Quinton de Kock move to KKR.
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