IPL 2025 Auction: Phil Salt to Jitesh Sharma – Five Best Buys of RCB in Mega Event

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a mixed outing at the recently concluded IPL 2025 auction, which took place in Jeddah on November 24 and 25.

RCB came into the auction with a gigantic purse of Rs 83 crore, the second most among all teams, but they were pretty subdued in terms of marquee acquisitions.

Although the notion was that RCB may end up getting a big name, they failed to land either Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul. But despite that, the Challengers ended up with a few decent signings across the two days.

They signed a total of 19 players in the auction, which has taken their squad size to 22. RCB also spent a total of Rs 119.25 crore out of their Rs 120 crore budget. The Bengaluru-based franchise retained Virat Kohli for Rs 21 crore, while Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 cr) and Yash Dayal (Rs 5 cr) were their other two retentions.

As their acquisitions are complete now, here are the five best RCB auction buys in ascending order-

5. Nuwan Thushara (Sri Lanka) - Rs 1.60 crore

Nuwan Thushara had a decent outing with Mumbai Indians last season. The uncanny Sri Lankan pacer shone in patches for the Paltans and is a decent addition for RCB. Thushara possesses a unique action and his wicket taking ability will boost the RCB bowling lineup.

4. Tim David (Australia) - Rs 3 crore

RCB bid aggressively for Tim David and to be honest, got their man at a decent amount. David provides the finishing role in their batting and can be a devastating person to bowl to at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. His hard-hitting ability will strengthen RCB's lower middle order, which makes sense given their top-heavy batting over the years.

3. Jitesh Sharma (India) - Rs 11 crore

An Indian wicketkeeper, who can play the role of a finisher - Jitesh Sharma is a direct replacement of Dinesh Karthik who retired from the competition. Jitesh had a stellar outing with Punjab Kings last season and has proven his worth with the Indian team as well. Although he may not have keeping duties, the Indian provides solidity at the middle order for RCB.

2. Liam Livingstone (England) - Rs 8.75 crore

Liam Livingstone will be a vital cog in RCB lineup, which is a big reason why they went in for him with full intent. Livingstone's batting prowess along with his spin bowling will provide a multidimensional solution for RCB, who have lacked a quality overseas all-rounder over the years. The England player is also a dangerous player against spin, adding value to Indian conditions.

1. Phil Salt (England) - Rs 11.50 crore

Phil Salt is by far the best signing for RCB in the IPL auction. Salt had a magnificent season with KKR in IPL 2024, and the Englishman is tipped to make a similar impact at RCB as well. He will be their regular wicketkeeper, and along with that, Salt would be the perfect player to partner Virat Kohli at the top of their batting order. The 28-year-old is one of the most sorted player in recent times and RCB will extremely ecstatic with the acquisition.