Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally laid their hands on the elusive Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2025, drawing the curtain on an 18-year quest for glory.
The breakthrough arrived in the inaugural season of the league’s new three-year cycle, following a highly anticipated mega auction that saw the franchise make several strategic and bold decisions.
Under the stewardship of Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, RCB overhauled their core lineup, parting ways with a few longstanding stalwarts while bringing in a mix of seasoned international stars. Among the most talked-about changes was the release of Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, who had been a mainstay in the team for seven years. The decision raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, given Siraj’s consistent performances in red and gold. However, Bobat shed light on the rationale behind the move.
“Siraj was probably the player we spent the most time deliberating over,” Bobat told Cricbuzz. “Indian international bowlers are not easy to come by. We considered retaining him, releasing him, and even using the Right to Match. It was anything but a simple decision.”
Ultimately, RCB opted to bolster their bowling arsenal by signing Josh Hazlewood for ₹12.50 crore and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ₹10.75 crore, allowing Siraj to be picked up by Gujarat Titans for ₹12.25 crore.
Bobat emphasised Bhuvneshwar’s ability to operate at both the beginning and the end of an innings as a key factor behind the choice. “We were keen to have someone who could give us control with the new ball and close things out at the death. That versatility is rare,” he explained. “Keeping Siraj would have made that balance difficult to achieve. There is never a single reason-many considerations came into play.”
While Siraj moved on to represent Gujarat Titans, where he had a steady season with 16 wickets in 15 matches, Bhuvneshwar proved instrumental in RCB’s title-winning campaign, claiming 17 wickets and providing vital breakthroughs. Hazlewood, meanwhile, emerged as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with 22 scalps in just 12 appearances at an economy rate of under nine runs per over.
Another notable omission from the retained list was Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Bobat revealed that Green’s exclusion was purely down to fitness concerns. “Had he been fit, we would have almost certainly kept him on,” he said.
RCB’s successful campaign marks the beginning of what appears to be a promising new era for the franchise. With a refreshed squad, a calculated blend of experience and form, and an aggressive approach in team management, the team’s 2025 title run serves as a testament to the rewards of well-thought-out risks.
As the dust settles on a historic season, the RCB faithful will no doubt be buoyed by the belief that their team has finally turned a corner, not just in results, but in long-term planning and ambition. (With inputs from Agencies)