(Source/Cricfit)
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently weighed in on the retention strategy of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction. According to Chopra, there’s a strong possibility that the seasoned batsman Virat Kohli may reclaim the captaincy mantle for the upcoming season of the IPL.
Despite encountering a rocky start with seven losses in their initial eight matches, the Bengaluru-based franchise managed to secure a playoff berth in the IPL 2024. Virat Kohli played an instrumental role in RCB’s resurgence throughout the season. However, their journey was halted in the “Eliminator” match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by Faf du Plessis.
Kohli emerged as the top run-scorer in the tournament, amassing a remarkable total of 741 runs in 15 matches, boasting an impressive average of 61.75 and a striking rate of 154.69. The right-handed batsman notched up one century and five half-centuries during IPL 2024, outscoring the second-placed Ruturaj Gaikwad by a significant margin of 158 runs in the batting charts.
Aakash Chopra says Virat Kohli Comes As The First Retention.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra made a declaration that Virat Kohli is set to be Royal Challengers Bangalore’s inaugural retention for the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. Chopra further emphasized the likelihood of Kohli reclaiming the captaincy role for the team.
One guy to retain is Virat Kohli. Of course, he comes as the first retention and you need to keep Virat Kohli with you, both Bengaluru and Kohli believe that. So I am seeing another three-year retention. For all we know, Virat Kohli might want to be the leader again, or else you have to go shopping for a leader,” Chopra said.
Before the IPL 2011 auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore opted to retain solely Virat Kohli, the talented cricketer hailing from Delhi. Kohli was secured for a notable sum of $1.8 million (approximately Rs 8.28 crore). However, preceding the IPL 2022 mega auction, the franchise based in Bengaluru chose to retain Kohli once more, this time for a staggering Rs 15 crore, alongside Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj.
Aakash Chopra stated Faf du Plessis Might Not Be On The Retention.
According to the ex-Indian opener’s perspective, it’s likely that Royal Challengers Bangalore will opt against retaining Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Alzarri Joseph, and Lockie Ferguson for the forthcoming IPL campaign. Chopra elucidated that du Plessis could be omitted from retention considerations due to his advancing age, aligning with the team’s emphasis on long-term planning.
“I feel Faf du Plessis might not be on the retention list for the simple reason that you are looking at a three-year future and Faf is not getting younger by the day. It’s a pivotal moment where you have to decide between immediate future and long-term gain.”
“So Faf might be released there. I don’t think they would want to retain Glenn Maxwell at all. They will say tata bye-bye. Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson – tata bye-bye to everyone,” Chopra further added.
Faf du Plessis emerged as Royal Challengers Bangalore’s second-highest run-getter during the IPL 2024 season. The team’s captain accumulated 438 runs across 15 innings, boasting an average of 29.20 and an impressive strike rate of 161.62. Conversely, Glenn Maxwell’s performance with the bat was underwhelming, tallying a mere 52 runs at an average of 5.78 from nine innings, which included four scoreless outings.
In the bowling realm, Lockie Ferguson secured nine wickets across seven innings but struggled with an economy rate of 10.62. Alzarri Joseph, on the other hand, only managed to grab a solitary scalp in three matches, conceding an average of 11.89 runs per over.
