We wanted to build an Indian core - Mo Bobat reflects on RCB’s squad post IPL 2025 Mega Auction

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) welcomed the Class of 2025 as the two-day IPL Mega Auction concluded in Jeddah on Monday.

RCB signed 19 players from the IPL 2025 Mega Auction to round up a squad of 22, including the retained trio of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal ahead of IPL 2025.

Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket, summed up the franchise’s approach in the two-day affair, shining light particularly on how important it was to not go down the rabbit hole of making massive buys but instead smartly sign players in particular roles.

In a video released by RCB, Bobat said, “I'm really happy with the work that we've done in this auction. Probably a tale of two halves the last two days. A few teams were quick out of the traps and signed some big players for some big money. We were pretty patient and calm, and I'm quite proud that we didn't get too sucked into some of that, because we had our targets and we held our nerve.”

RCB’s biggest buy on the first day was that of Liam Livingstone for INR 8 Cr from the marquee set, and Bobat believes that enabled them to target their priority picks with a lot more freedom on Day 2.

“And what we saw was we got the benefit of that today. We were able to go for all of our priorities today, and every single one of them came in. So, you know, two very different days, but as far as we're concerned, a clear strategy, stuck to our principles, and we're really happy with the team and the squad that we've got.”

Bobat also addressed the big Indian signings of Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 Cr), Bhuvneshwar (INR 10.75 Cr), Krunal Pandya (INR 5.75 Cr) and said, “Look, we had a really good squad last year, and it's important to remember that we did do well and we got to the playoffs. I think a few of the areas that we really wanted to address was, we wanted to build an Indian core. I think we've been able to bring in some high-quality Indian players, which I'm really pleased with.”

He continued by sharing some insight into how the dynamics of Chinnaswamy played a role in squad selection, “You know, to have the likes of Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvi, Krunal Pandya, Rasik Salam, some really good players that we've been able to bring in. So I'm pleased with that. I'm sure there's guys I've forgotten as well. It's been a long day. So I'm pleased with that. And also, we've been able to really assemble a high-quality pace holding attack, which is something that we know we need at the Chinnaswamy. I think you only have to look at our batting orders to know the power that we've got there. So that goes without saying and again, we've been able to exploit the Chinnaswamy conditions.”