IPL 2025 Auction: Four players who can be the next RCB Captain

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As the IPL 2025 auction beckons, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will gear up for a good day on the table.

The franchise, often known for their star-studded roster, is still missing the championship mantle from their kitty since the tournament's inception.

RCB have had their share of star names, and monumental characters of cricket, but the trophy continues to elude them. Amid this, RCB announced their retention list for the next cycle of IPL, which includes only three players.

Virat Kohli has been retained for a sum of Rs 21 crore, whereas Rajat Patidar for Rs 11 crore and Yash Dayal for Rs 5 crore are the other pre-auction investment for RCB. Faf du Plessis was left out of the team after captaining the team for two seasons, indicating they may move towards a new leadership for the next IPL cycle.

The murmur regarding RCB's captain will get stronger in the upcoming days. Mo Bobat, RCB's cricketing director remained tightlipped when asked about their captaincy options. But they will get plenty of options in the auction to find a leader for at least the next cycle, or among the retained players.

IPL 2025 Auction: Four Captain options for RCB next Season

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli's possible return as a captain has become a flagship topic. The veteran India star is reportedly interested to return at the RCB helm, and in fact, has given a green signal regarding it. Although RCB fans are rapturous with the potential prospect, the franchise may well refrain from the decision. Given Kohli's prior retirement from T20I cricket and age, RCB may look to someone younger and with fresh ideas. Kohli, during his 10-year-stint as RCB leader, failed to win a single trophy. Hence it remains a far-fetched issue, but surely an option.

Rishabh Pant

After his departure from Delhi Capitals, Rishabh Pant's future lies somewhere else. If DC don't use RTM on Pant, the India wicketkeeper will be headed to a new team, for the first time since his arrival at the IPL.

RCB will and must be an interested party for Pant's signature. Given his age and credibility, the southpaw is certain to be a top captain candidate anywhere across franchises. The India player's leadership qualities have been limited in the IPL, but he has shown signs of encouragement already.

KL Rahul

The entire RCB contingent are excited about a possible arrival of KL Rahul. The India batter was released by LSG amid concerns of untenable relationship with the owners, and that has opened his door for a potential return to the franchise where it all started. A consistent performer in IPL, Rahul has captained Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, qualifying for two playoffs with the latter.

Although Rahul possesses a moderate record with 31 wins and 31 defeats as captain, there is an innate belief within the RCB camp regarding the Karnataka player. Rahul's initial days with Bengaluru was a blast and the franchise would love their home-grown star to lead them towards a new chapter.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer's shock departure from Kolkata Knight Riders opens up another captain option for RCB in the auction. The prized India batter led the Knights to their third IPL glory earlier this year, but is looking to find a new home. RCB will keep an eye on Iyer, a player they went for aggressively in the IPL 2022 auction but eventually missed out.

Iyer has previously led Delhi Capitals to an IPL final and then won the title with the Knight Riders, which will further entice RCB to land him as captain at least for the next cycle.