All ten teams including Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will look to freshen up their squads at the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 Auction.
IPL 2023 Auction: The Bangalore-based franchise, who have never lifted the coveted title, finished fourth in IPL 2022 but exited the tournament in Qualifier 2 following a defeat to eventual runner-up Rajasthan Royals.
And following a somewhat successful season despite not going all the way. RCB released only five players, who were used very occasionally or never featured in a single match. Discarding them from the list this time they are with very little work to do at the auction.
They are slated to participate in the mini-auction, which will take place in Kochi on December 23. But they will still seize the chance if the appropriate player is offered within their budget.
RCB Squad Before Auction: Faf du Plessis (South Africa), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen (New Zealand), Glenn Maxwell (Australia), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey (England), Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood (Australia), Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep.
Released Players: Jason Behrendorff, Aneeshwar Gautam, Chama Milind, Luvnith Sisodia, Sherfane Rutherford. RCB Remaining Purse for IPL 2023 Auction: Rs 8.75 Crores RCB Remaining Slots: 7 players max, including 2 overseas players max with limited budget and very little slots left to fill, RCB will look for players who will be an immediate addition as well as back up options to their current players.
Now, we take a look at the players who Royal Challengers Bangalore will target at the IPL 2023 auction:
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Sam Curran (Base Price: Rs 2 Crore)
The English all-rounder missed the previous tournament due to injury, but he has played whenever called upon during his time with Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings. Since his injury recovery, he has also enjoyed a great run. He was selected the Person of the T20 World Cup 2022 Final and the Tournament, making him the player that the IPL auction will be most interested in. If he is the only player at the auction that RCB will be interested in, they may pursue him. Price range: Rs. 6-7 Crores
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Sikandar Raza (Base Price: Rs 50 Lakh)
Following a stellar season with the national team, the Zimbabwe all-rounder will be another player in high demand at the IPL auction. He is a great choice for teams because of his brave batting, ability to roll his arm over when necessary, and ability to bowl the entire allotment. If necessary and if RCB is able to strike the correct balance with their primary bowling options. Ideal Cost: Rs. 1 to 3 crore
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Jaydev Unadkat (Base Price: Rs 50 Lakhs)
The left-arm pacer travelled all around the IPL with different franchises including a stint at RCB earlier in his career. And following his consistent showing in the domestic circuit, Unadkat has got back in the reckoning for the national team. But with foreign players limited to max four per team, RCB can use Unadkat as the seamer in case they can’t land Sam Curran. Ideal Price: Rs 1-2.5 Crore
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Mayank Agarwal (Base Price: Rs 1 Crore)
The Indian opener, who led Punjab Kings last season, was let go following a disappointing season for the Punjab-based team. The Karnataka batter might still be quite important for many other teams, though. such as RCB, his local team, where he made his IPL debut in 2011. Agarwal will be returning home and coming full circle after spending two seasons with RCB. Agarwal may potentially be considered in the future to take over for Du Plessis as captain and opener. Ideal Cost: Rs. 1 to 3 crore
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Shreyas Gopal (Base Price: Rs 50 Lakhs)
The Karnataka leg-spinning all-rounder released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the auction. But could be handed a homecoming by the Royal Challengers Bangalore. RCB will look to add the second leg spin option in case Wanindu Hasaranga. The first choice is out of form or has an injury. Along with the leg spin option, Gopal also can add runs with the bat when required. Ideal Price: Rs 50 Lakhs to Rs 1 Crore