Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra recently shared his opinion on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retentions ahead of the mega auction of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Aakash Chopra stated that star batsman Virat Kohli could resume the role as captain for the upcoming IPL season.
The Bengaluru-based team advanced to the IPL 2024 playoffs despite losing seven games in the initial eight. Virat Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s resurgence in the just-ended season. However, the team led by Faf du Plessis suffered a defeat in the “Eliminator” against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Virat Kohli was the leading run-getter of the tournament. Kohli scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an impressive average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69. The right-handed batsman smashed one century and five fifties in IPL 2024. He scored 158 runs more than Ruturaj Gaikwad, second ranked in the batting charts.
Virat Kohli is the first retention – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Virat Kohli will be RCB’s first retainer ahead of the mega auction IPL 2025. Chopra also highlighted the possibility of Kohli resuming his leadership responsibilities.
“One person to retain is Virat Kohli. Of course, he comes as the first retainer and you have to keep Virat Kohli with you, both Bengaluru and Kohli believe that. So I am looking at another three-year retainer. As far as we know, Virat Kohli he might want to be the leader again, or else we would have to go find a leader,” Chopra said.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru only retained Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL 2011 auction. The Delhi-born cricketer was signed for $1.8 million (around Rs 8.28 crore). Ahead of the IPL 2022 mega auction, the Bengaluru-based franchise signed Kohli for Rs 15 crore, along with Glenn Maxwell and Mohammed Siraj.
Faf du Plessis may not be in retention – Aakash Chopra
The former India opener believes that Royal Challengers Bengaluru may not retain Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Alzarri Joseph and Lockie Ferguson for the upcoming IPL season. Chopra explained that du Plessis may not be hired due to his age, considering the team’s long-term focus.
“I think Faf du Plessis might not be on the retention list for the simple reason that we are looking at a three-year future and Faf is not getting younger every day. It is a crucial moment when you have to decide between the immediate future and long-term profit.
“So Faf could be released there. I don’t think they want to keep Glenn Maxwell at all. They will say goodbye. Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson, goodbye everyone,” Chopra added.
Faf du Plessis was RCB’s second highest run-scorer in IPL 2024. The RCB captain amassed 438 runs at an average of 29.20 and a strike rate of 161.62 in 15 innings. Glenn Maxwell had a disappointing season with the bat, scoring just 52 runs at an average of 5.78 in nine innings, including four ducks.
In the bowling department, Lockie Ferguson took nine wickets at an economy rate of 10.62 in seven innings this season. Alzarri Joseph managed a solitary scalp and conceded at an average of 11.89 runs per over in three games.
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