'We’re all too aware of need to establish strong Indian core' - Mo Bobat sheds light on RCB's decision to retain only three players

The retentions deadline for the franchises ahead of IPL 2025 mega auction was October 31. The fervour was palpable amongst fans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru surprised everyone by retaining only three players. The retention list of RCB had only three players in the form of two capped and one uncapped player namely, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal respectively. 

With this, they spent INR 37 crore and will enter the auction with INR 83 crore to make a team out of it. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat revealed the reason behind the decision that has left the fans puzzled. The likes of Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell were given a miss and he stated that the team particularly wanted Green as overseas retention but missed out due to an injury.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Retained Players, Released Players and Purse Remaining ahead of Mega Auction

“We’re all too aware of the need to establish a strong Indian core to our team going into the 2025 IPL season, and we feel that our retention decisions are a significant step in the right direction. It’s great to continue Virat’s lengthy association with RCB, I’m confident that a new group of players will benefit hugely from his inspirational and infectious energy, and his commitment to high standards. It’s also great to secure both Rajat and Yash, two excellent players that offer relatively unique skills and abilities,” Mo Bobat said in a statement released by RCB.

“In Yash’s case, as an uncapped player, he also represents outstanding financial value. It’s always sad to release players, given the strength of relationships that are built and the many shared achievements and memories, and I wish all departing players well. As for us, we now commence our auction preparations having retained top Indian talent, whilst also giving ourselves both options and flexibility with our three remaining RTMs, and a healthy available purse. It should be fun!” he added.

Here's RCB's latest post on Instagram: 

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A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@royalchallengers.bengaluru)

With this development, the rumours which were doing rounds about Kohli’s potential comeback as RCB captain have caught fire. It is worth noting that Kohli relinquished the captain’s role ahead of IPL 2022 and since then Du Plessis held the position. Amongst many rumours, KL Rahul’s potential comeback to the RCB camp is awaited by the fans. The wicketkeeper-batter was not retained by Lucknow Super Giants.