Aakash Chopra's IPL 2025 Retention Strategy: Who Should RCB Keep and Who Should Go?

Aakash Chopra has recently shared his insights on which players the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should consider retaining for the IPL 2025 season, highlighting the complexities and strategic decisions that the franchise faces. In his analysis, Chopra focused on key players like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Cameron Green, Mohammed Siraj, and Glenn Maxwell, offering his thoughts on who should stay and who might be let go.

Chopra firmly believes that Virat Kohli will be the primary retention for RCB in IPL 2025. Kohli, a cornerstone of RCB’s lineup and one of the most prominent figures in Indian cricket, is seen as an indispensable asset. His consistent performance, leadership, and immense fan following make him a clear choice for retention. Kohli's experience and skills are viewed as crucial for maintaining RCB’s competitive edge in the tournament.

However, the situation with Faf du Plessis is more complex. Chopra expressed uncertainty about whether RCB should retain Du Plessis for another three-year cycle. At 40 years old, Du Plessis is approaching the twilight of his career, and there are questions about his longevity and ability to sustain high performance over an extended period. Although Du Plessis has been an excellent captain and player for RCB, leading the team for the past three seasons, the franchise must weigh the potential risks of retaining a player nearing the end of his career.

Chopra also emphasized the value of retaining Cameron Green, who has shown promise in recent seasons. Green made an impression during his time with Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 and continued to perform well for RCB in 2024. His all-round abilities make him a valuable asset for any team, and Chopra believes that retaining him would be a strategic move for RCB. Green’s versatility and potential contribute significantly to the team’s balance and performance.

Another player Chopra advocates for retaining is Mohammed Siraj. The importance of Indian fast bowlers in the IPL cannot be overstated, and Siraj’s talent and potential make him a key player for RCB. Finding quality Indian pacers in the auction is a challenging task, and losing Siraj could mean losing a crucial component of RCB’s bowling attack. Chopra argues that retaining Siraj would provide stability and depth to the team’s bowling lineup.

On the other hand, Chopra has expressed a preference for releasing Glenn Maxwell. Despite Maxwell’s past successes and his reputation as a powerful T20 player, his performance in IPL 2025 was disappointing. In the ten matches he played, Maxwell scored only 52 runs, which was below expectations. Chopra noted that Maxwell was even dropped from the playing XI at one point during the season, indicating a struggle to contribute effectively. Although Maxwell’s ability in T20 cricket is undeniable, Chopra believes it might be prudent for RCB to explore new options rather than continuing with a player who has not delivered the desired results in recent times.

Chopra also mentioned Rajat Patidar as a potential player to retain, provided he can be secured at a reasonable cost. Patidar has shown potential, and retaining him at a lower price could be a cost-effective strategy for RCB. However, Chopra’s primary focus remains on making strategic decisions about core players like Kohli, Green, and Siraj, while carefully considering the futures of Du Plessis and Maxwell.

Aakash Chopra’s recommendations for RCB’s IPL 2025 strategy involve a blend of retaining established stars, securing promising talent, and making tough calls on underperforming players. The decisions regarding Kohli, Du Plessis, Green, Siraj, and Maxwell will shape the franchise’s approach and prospects for the upcoming season, highlighting the challenging nature of team management in the IPL.