A team with many superstars but unfortunately no results so far, this time RCB has taken some crucial actions by releasing several big names and retaining a few. The camp retained Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal, but there’s no Glenn Maxwell and no Faf du Plessis. While Maxwell’s departure was anticipated, releasing Faf du Plessis came as a shock to many. And now without Faf, there is no opener to pair with Virat Kohli. In the past, we have seen RCB feature some of the best top-order batters, from Chris Gayle to AB de Villiers, all of whom have delivered. But now, with no Faf du Plessis, the question is: who will open with Virat Kohli in the upcoming IPL 2025? Look at three openers RCB can target to pair with Virat Kohli in the IPL mega auction.
Ishan Kishan
One name that RCB is likely to target is Ishan Kishan. Since Dinesh Karthik is not in the mix, it makes sense for the camp to go for him. Although there are chances that other teams will also bid for him, Ishan’s strong suit is opening the batting, which is exactly what the team needs. He has always been a big hitter, which aligns with RCB’s preference for power hitters. The left-hand, right-hand combination could also make a significant difference for RCB.
KL Rahul
With 83 crores in purse, RCB will surely go for KL Rahul, as there are chances that Rahul could potentially fetch a big amount, and we may see a bidding war for him. In the past, there have been enough reports suggesting that RCB is desperately eyeing this Karnataka player. However, since there is no trade option available before the mega auction, the only way Rahul can join RCB is if the Bengaluru franchise outbids all the other camps and wins the bidding race. It will be interesting to see how it goes, as the situation is similar for both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul, as both offer the team an opening batting option and wicketkeeping, which the team currently needs. If not Ishan, then we can surely see RCB try for KL Rahul.
Jos Buttler
Last but not least, another wicketkeeper-batter RCB may target is England’s white-ball captain, Jos Buttler, who has done a phenomenal job for Rajasthan Royals. Chances are RR may go for him once again, but it currently looks difficult since they don’t have enough money left. However, the team with the purse to secure Buttler is RCB, and they could surely go for him. We have seen many times that whenever RR faced trouble, Buttler stepped in as a superhero and saved the Royals camp. He could do the same for RCB as well, considering Bengaluru’s franchise history of struggling in bigger games. Jos Buttler, with his reputation as a big-match player, could be exactly what RCB needs, and we may see them putting everything into securing him.