'We're really happy to get Liam Livingstone' - Andy Flower pleased for RCB to have bagged English all-rounder

The two-day mega auction for the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League has got off to a raging start as there have been a host of big-ticket players, both Indian and international, who have been pursued and roped in by the franchises for some whopping amounts. One among the many is Liam Livingstone, who was ultimately brought on board by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 8.75 crore.  

Head coach of RCB, Andy Flower, was effusive of Livingstone's resourcefulness as a multi-dimensional player.

"We are very happy to get Liam Livingstone. He is a very very dangerous player, obviously huge power, but very versatile as well, given that he bowls leg-spin and off-spin. So, having that spin addition to our attack is really nice to secure early in the auction," stated Flower.

Also Check: DAY 1: IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates on Players Sold, Unsold, Purse Remaining & Full Squad Details

He can also build innings and absorb pressure when he needs to: Flower

The former head coach of England from 2009 to 2014 recounted his stint working alonside Livingstone. Flower was particularly impressed with Livingstone's ability to add a defensive component in his batting. 

"And the other thing I'd say about Livingstone, and I've worked with him quite a lot before, certainly at the England Cricket Academy, what I see in him is a maturing player, and some of his international efforts recently shows that he's a maturing batsman who now can change gear up and down. And he ups very high, obviously, but he can also build innings and absorb pressure when he needs to. So, that's been really nice to see recently. We're really happy to get him," he added.

Interistingly, Livingstone has been a part of the Punjab Kings and the Rajasthan Royals up until now. Barring the 2022 season, he has not been backed a lot. With RCB also getting Phil Salt to their roster, it seems as if Livingstone will have some familiar company while in the middle. Livingstone has also played a crucial role in England's limited overs side of late, which was one of the main reasons as to why he was such a prized asset going into the event in Jeddah.