As the IPL 2025 auction nears, former Indian cricketer RP Singh has proposed a radical strategy for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to overhaul their team. His plan focuses on retaining only Virat Kohli, while releasing the rest of the squad and using Right To Match (RTM) cards to reacquire key players like Mohammed Siraj and Rajat Patidar at potentially lower costs. This approach, while daring, seeks to rebuild RCB around its most valuable asset, Kohli, while addressing historical team weaknesses and possibly ending their long-standing trophy drought.

Virat Kohli: The Heart of RCB’s Future

Virat Kohli, often hailed as the 'Run Machine', has been the cornerstone of RCB since the inception of the IPL. His retention is not only a reflection of his exceptional batting skills but also his immense brand value and unwavering fan loyalty. Kohli’s ability to adapt—anchoring innings or accelerating as needed—makes him an irreplaceable asset for the team. RP Singh’s call to retain only Kohli highlights the crucial role Kohli plays as the foundation upon which RCB can rebuild and realign its aspirations for an IPL title.

The Strategic Use of Right To Match (RTM) Cards

RP Singh has suggested that RCB can make strategic use of the RTM cards to regain key players, like Rajat Patidar and Mohammed Siraj, without overspending. He believes Patidar could be reacquired for less than ₹11 crore, and even if his price escalates in the auction, RCB could use the RTM to bring him back. Similarly, Singh opined that Siraj’s auction value may not exceed ₹14 crore, making him a prime candidate for an RTM bid. This strategy could allow RCB to release players while still retaining valuable talent at a reasonable cost.

Star-Studded Overseas Lineup Under Scrutiny

RCB has a formidable overseas lineup, including big names like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Will Jacks. Despite Maxwell’s impressive performance in previous seasons, RP Singh hinted that RCB might consider releasing even their star overseas players as part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the squad. Letting go of such talents could seem risky, but it might open up opportunities for RCB to recalibrate their team composition, focusing on younger talent or better balancing between batting and bowling strengths.

The Argument for a Complete Team Overhaul

RP Singh’s proposal to release the entire squad except Kohli may appear drastic, but it addresses RCB’s long-standing issues, particularly in their bowling department. By starting fresh, RCB has the chance to build a more balanced team that can both complement Kohli's prowess and shore up their weaknesses. Singh’s idea envisions RCB as a team that can finally break its trophy drought by addressing these structural flaws, particularly with their bowling unit, and creating a well-rounded side.

High-Risk, High-Reward Strategy for RCB

RP Singh’s advice to retain only Virat Kohli and strategically use RTM cards in the auction presents a high-risk, high-reward scenario. This bold move gambles on several factors: the auction dynamics, the loyalty of key players, and RCB’s ability to identify and integrate new talent effectively. While it may shock fans, it could also bring the shake-up needed for RCB to emerge stronger and finally secure their first IPL title. The upcoming auction could hold major surprises for RCB fans, as the franchise looks to reinvent itself and aim for glory.