IPL 2025 Auction: Surprise Exclusions From the RCB and GT Squad

The retention has created a buzz among the fans and the players for the IPL 2025 auction. The retained ones are happy to continue in the same squad for a lucrative sum. Whereas, some players have asked for their release from the team to test their market value. But, there will be some players as well who would be hoping to play for their former franchises if regain the management’s trust.

RCB has retained 3 players Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. Having used just INR 37 Crores of the allotted INR 120 Crores, RCB is left with INR 83 Crores to make a mark in the auction and form a formidable team for the coming years. They also have 2 RTMs left to use.

GT retained their captain Gill, Rashid, and Sai Sudharsan as capped players, along with Rahul Tewatia, and Shahrukh Khan in the uncapped category. With INR 69 Crores and 1 RTM card left, the franchise will go into the auction, hoping to have a good purchase.

Let’s look at the players who would be the most likely picks again by their recent franchises in the IPL 2025 Auction:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

3-times finalist and one of the most loved teams in the IPL. Royal Challengers Bengaluru has the record of qualifying for the knockouts the third most times. The franchise has had big names: Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble, Kevin Pietersen, Rahul Dravid, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Chris Gayle, and many others. The team has had a fair amount of success and failure. Whether it was 49 all out or 263/5, the fans cherished every moment and stood through thick and thin. After finalizing their retentions, the team will look to regain a few players to maintain their core.

Let’s look at the players who could be back to the RCB:

Mohammad Siraj

Backed heavily by the management and a trusted deputy of Virat, Siraj is most likely to be back in the red and blue jersey. Siraj has been phenomenal for RCB and has turned into a lead for the franchise. His opening spell with the new ball creates pressure on the opposition. His ability to make use of the fresh seam and pick wickets in the powerplay makes him a phenomenal player for RCB. Siraj had a couple of forgetful seasons where he conceded a lot of runs but his wicket-taking ability makes him a challenging bowler to face. In 87 matches for RCB, Siraj has 83 wickets to his name. The RCB will like to have their Indian pace bowling sorted with Siraj leading the attack.

Will Jacks

A hard-hitting batsman who can quickly take the game away from the opposition. Jacks was a find for RCB in the last season. Coming with the reputation to score runs quickly, Jacks did exactly what he was asked to. The 26-year-old smashed 230 runs in 8 matches at a blistering strike rate of 175. His century against Gujarat in the world’s largest stadium will remain in the memories of all the IPL fans. Jacks at the top of the order can sort out RCB’s pending opening problems. The management would want to bring back this English batter to their set-up.

Akash Deep

Considered more of a Test bowler, Akash Deep has the skills to excel in T20 as well. A hit-the-deck bowler who has fine control over the ball. His ability to constantly bowl in the right area makes him a difficult bowler to pick. Currently seen as the fourth pace bowling option for India, Akash Deep could solve the years-long bowling issue of RCB. Deep hasn’t had many opportunities for RCB. In 8 matches, Deep has 7 wickets to his name. However, a bowler of his quality can’t be kept on the bench for long. The management will want to back this young, exciting talent.

Gujarat Titans

Winning the trophy in their first season isn’t as easy as GT made it look like. Winner of the IPL 2022 and the runners-up of 2023, the franchise has already made an immediate impact in the IPL tournament. The sudden exit of Hardik Pandya has allowed Shubman Gill to grow as a leader, GT had a poor outing in the IPL 2024. However, they did a great job of retaining their core to build a future team around those players. The management would be looking to get back the service of a few players to sort out half of their problems.

Let’s look at the players who could play for the franchise again:

Mohammad Shami

The backbone Indian pace attack. Shami’s skills are unmatched and are likely to get him a lucrative purse. With a simple run-up and smooth bowling action, Shami probably has the best seam position in world cricket. His bowling stands on a similar platform to the likes of other greats. In 2 out of 3 seasons for Gujarat Titans, Shami picked 48 wickets for them. His ability to bowl in the right channel and create trouble for the batters makes him a great bowler. His wicket-taking ability in the powerplay was one of the major reasons behind the consistency of Gujarat. The management would surely want to retain the 35-year-old veteran.

David Miller

David Miller has been sensational for GT since 2022. Having known as ‘Killer Miller’ among the fans for his heroics in the league and international cricket. Miller comes with a reputation for giving a strong finish to the team and winning the match in challenging situations. Having played for a few teams, Miller finally found the right environment and clarity of roles. This helped him evolve tremendously and improved his batting approach. Batting in the middle and lower order, Miller has scored 950 runs for GT in 41 matches at a healthy strike rate of 145. Miller is likely to go back to GT or through an RTM card.

Noor Ahmed

Afghanistan is known for producing mystery spinners. Noor Ahmed is one of the mystery bowlers from the Afghanistan circuit. The left-arm Chinaman has done a good job for the franchise. Debuted in 2023, Noor has picked up 24 wickets in 23 matches at an economy of 8. His partnership with Rashid gives the team a massive advantage of 8 overs of quality spin. On a turning track, it becomes hard for the opposition to tackle the two Afghanis. The management would love to secure the service of this youngster for many more years to come.

The mega-auction could be a make-or-break season for the two franchises. The massive pool of players would help them build a strong team.