IPL 2025 Auction: 3 Reasons Why PBKS Did Not Use RTM Card For Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada for PBKS [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]Kagiso Rabada for PBKS [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

The second player to be sold during the IPL 2025 mega auction was Kagiso Rabada. It was an intense bidding war for Rabada but the Gujarat Titans won the bid for the player as they went till INR 10.75 Cr. 

As Kagiso Rabada played for the Punjab Kings previously they had the option to use the RTM card on him. However, the Kings decided to refrain from using it. Here are three reasons why the Punjab Kings did not use their second RTM for Kagiso Rabada. 

1. Already Had Ardshdeep Singh For INR 18Cr

Even though the Punjab Kings had INR 110.5 Cr in their bank ahead of the auction, they bough the first player for the event, Arshdeep Singh for a high price INR 18Cr. Their purse size was already down to INR 65.75 Cr and they must have come in with the strategy to build a balanced side for the upcoming season. 

2. Keeping Their RTMs For Utility Playes

After using their RTM for Arshdeep Singh, the Punjab Kings had three more options to use it.  With players like Ashutosh Sharma, Sam Curran and other important players from their squad of the previous season still to come in the in the auction, they might have planned to pick up other utlity player or match winners. 

3. Not Utlising Rabada In Last Few Seasons

In the last few seasons, the Punjab Kings did not use Kagiso Rabad too much. While Arshdeep Singh was their new ball bowler and also their trust for the death over, the management used Nathan Ellis more than the South African pacer. With Rabada not being of much use for them in the last couple of seasons, it was expected that they will not bid too hight for him.