RCB, on Thursday, announced the decision to retain Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction and naturally, fans filled social media with questions on the thinking behind the decision.

As a collective answer to all questions, in a Bold Diaries video, RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat explained the rationale behind retaining the Indian trio.

Talking on the need to create a strong Indian core, Bobat said, “We’re all too aware of the need to establish a strong Indian core to our team going into the 2025 IPL season, and we feel that our retention decisions are a significant step in the right direction. It’s great to continue Virat’s lengthy association with RCB, I’m confident that a new group of players will benefit hugely from his inspirational and infectious energy, and his commitment to high standards. It’s also great to secure both Rajat and Yash, two excellent players that offer relatively unique skills and abilities.”

He then highlighted the reason behind retaining an uncapped Yash Dayal, stating, “In Yash’s case, as an uncapped player, he also represents outstanding financial value. It’s always sad to release players, given the strength of relationships that are built and the many shared achievements and memories, and I wish all departing players well. As for us, we now commence our auction preparations having retained top Indian talent, whilst also giving ourselves both options and flexibility with our three remaining RTMs, and a healthy available purse. It should be fun!”

As Virat Kohli echoed in his gratitude expression video for the fans and the franchise, he also clarified the fact that RCB will be looking forward to building a new squad in the upcoming IPL mega-auction - which was the same thought expressed by Bobat.