Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up for a crucial IPL 2025 auction with a major budget to strengthen their team. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that one of his top targets could be his former spin master Yuzvendra Chahal. However, he also anticipates tough competition from the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who are unlikely to let their star player go without a fight.

Speaking on Star Sports’ show Game Plan, Manjrekar highlighted Chahal’s importance to RCB during his stint with the franchise and the potential tug-of-war for his services in the upcoming auction.

He said, “I think it will be very difficult for RCB to get Chahal because Rajasthan Royals will do everything possible to maintain the partnership of Ashwin and Chahal. If Virat is the captain, RCB will try to regain their old trump card.”

RCB will participate in the IPL 2025 auction with a hefty purse of INR 83 crore. Only the Punjab Kings have a higher available purse. standing at INR 110.5 crore.

The Bengaluru-based franchise has retained only three players (Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal), ensuring that they will have one of the biggest budgets ahead of the auction. This financial flexibility could allow them to target top players, including Chahal, who has been a vital cog in their past campaigns.

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On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals find themselves in a contrasting position. With six players retained, the Royals have only Rs 41 million left in their pocket. Adding to their limitations, they also cannot use the Right to Match (RTM) card to retain Chahal.

Despite these challenges, Manjrekar feels that RR will prioritize keeping the Ashwin-Chahal duo intact, a partnership that has become pivotal to their bowling plans.

Chahal’s performances in IPL 2024 sum up his value as one of the leading players in the format. Representing the Rajasthan Royals last season, he scalped 18 wickets in 15 innings, albeit with a higher-than-usual economy rate of 9.41. His effectiveness has not diminished and continues to be a game-changer, particularly in the intermediates.

RCB, however, has a strong emotional and strategic reason to reacquire Chahal. The 33-year-old remains the franchise’s highest wicket-taker in all T20s, with an impressive tally of 139 wickets at an economy rate of 7.58 in 112 innings. His ability to perform under pressure and deep knowledge of Bengaluru’s challenging conditions make him a sought-after asset for the franchise.

The decision to retain only three players, including Kohli, indicates a possible overhaul by RCB in their quest for an elusive IPL title. Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, could once again play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s bidding strategy. As Manjrekar noted, Kohli’s influence could boost RCB’s pursuit of Chahal, their former “trump card”.

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While RCB’s substantial budget gives them an advantage, they face stiff competition from other franchises, including RR, who are likely to exhaust all resources to retain Chahal. With both franchises eyeing a player who can change the game on his own, the IPL 2025 auction promises to be an intense battle.

RCB fans, who have witnessed Chahal’s magic first-hand, will no doubt hope for a reunion that can reignite their title aspirations. Whether the player returns to his old franchise or stays with the Royals will be one of the key stories to follow in the upcoming IPL season.