3 Associate Nation Players That RCB Might Look To Buy In IPL 2025 Mega-Auction

Virat Kohli playing for RCB [X]Virat Kohli playing for RCB [X]

The IPL 2025 is gradually drawing close. Even though the real action will begin in about 8-9 months, the behind-the-scenes preparation for the franchises has already started. 

Ahead of the next season, there will be a mega-auction, and the franchises will be strategising for that at this moment. With the majority of the players from all the franchises to be released, there will be expectedly a lot of change in the dynamics of all the squads.

One of the league's underachievers has been the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even after boasting of the presence of some big names in contemporary cricket in their squad, the franchise has not yet won the coveted trophy. RCB will be looking to go in with intent into the mega auction and form a squad that turns the tables around this time.

While RCB is mostly known for buying the big names of the cricketing world, this time, they can try a new strategy. The RCB management can look for utility players who will consistently contribute effectively to the team's cause. Here is a look at three such players from the associate nations whom RCB can buy in the mega auction if they register themselves. 

3. Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia)

Gerhard Erasmus [X]Gerhard Erasmus [X]

The Namibian skipper is a very effective middle-order batter and a decent spin bowler. In his T20 career, Gerhard Erasmus has played 121 games and scored 2,035 runs at an average and strike rate of 24.22 and 118.10, respectively. 

Erasmus also looked good during the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024. In the tournament, he scored 102 runs in 4 matches at an average of 34.00 and also picked up four wickets with the ball while maintaining an economy of 7.36. 

Where does he fit in the RCB team?

RCB has always had a top-heavy batting line-up. Due to the lack of balance in the middle order, they have often suffered unwanted collapses in crucial games. Erasmus is a steady and consistent batter. His presence in the RCB middle order might stabilise the batting line-up a bit more. 

Besides his steady batting style, Erasmus is also a pretty decent bowler. His spin overs might come in handy for RCB in certain games. His presence will definitely give them added dynamism and flexibility to work with.

2. Saurabh Netravalkar

Saurabh Netravalkar [X]Saurabh Netravalkar [X]

The Indian-born US international has recently been the talk of the town. Saurabh Netravalkar showed his ability to ball in all phases of a game and be effective in the T20 World Cup 2024. He picked up one wicket per game on average during the T20 World Cup, but his economy of below seven runs per over points to his efficiency. 

Where does he fit in the RCB team?

The biggest struggle for RCB has been their bowling attack. In most seasons, they have fallen behind the competition due to a lack of a proper utility bowler. This is where Saurabh Netravalkar might be a valuable addition to the RCB team. Netravalkar is not only good with the new ball but is also a great exponent of death bowling. He has a lot of variations under his sleeve and can easily best any batter at any stage of a game. The skills, dextertity and the multi-dimensional aspect in Netravalkar's bowling might solve a lot or RCB's problems.

1. Brandon McMullen

Brandon McMullen [X]Brandon McMullen [X]

The Scottish middle-order batter was in brilliant touch during the T20 World Cup 2024. Brandon McMullen scored 140 runs in 3 innings at an average of 70.00 and a strike rate of 170.73. He scored a couple of half-centuries in the marquee tournament, and both knocks had a huge impact. 

Where does he fit in the RCB team?

RCB has always preferred to back big-hitting batters, and McMullen is precisely that. His ability to bat fearlessly in the middle overs makes him a perfect replacement for Glenn Maxwell if RCB decides to release him. McMullen's presence in the middle order will add strength to the batting and keep alive the extra bit of spice that RCB looks for throughout their line-up. His ability to be on the attack from the first ball will keep the other team under a lot of pressure and add great value to the line-up. All these analysis are made considering the players make themselves available for the IPL 2025 mega-auction