Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) reportedly plan to release Mohammed Siraj ahead of the IPL 2025 season, marking a major shift for the team. With October 31 as the deadline for submitting retention lists to the BCCI, Cricbuzz reports that RCB, still seeking their first IPL title, will retain only three core players as part of a squad overhaul.
Among the likely retentions, Virat Kohli remains the obvious top pick and could also return as captain. Although Kohli stepped down from leadership in 2021 to focus on batting, RCB management has reportedly held talks with him about reclaiming the captaincy. This comes as Faf du Plessis, who captained RCB for three seasons, is expected to be released due to his age. Kohli’s leadership would mark a new chapter for the franchise.
Rajat Patidar, a rising talent who has shown consistent potential in recent seasons, will likely remain with the team. Yash Dayal, who impressed as RCB’s standout bowler last season, is likely to secure a spot as well, with a retention value of four crores for the uncapped player.
Mohammed Siraj, who joined RCB in 2018 and has had the franchise’s steady support, faces release due to recent performance dips. In IPL 2023, Siraj took 19 wickets in 14 games, followed by a less impressive 15 wickets in IPL 2024. Despite RCB’s long-standing confidence in him, the team now appears ready to explore other bowling options.
Reports suggest that RCB will release star players Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green. This new approach by RCB signals a fresh start with a smaller retained core and a potential return to Kohli’s captaincy in their ongoing quest for an IPL title.
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