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Mohammed Siraj Out, Bhuvneshwar Kumar In; RCB's 3 Massive Squad Changes For IPL 2025

Rajgeeta

Mohammed Siraj and Bhuvneshwar Kumar [@Cric666official, @RCBTweets/x]Mohammed Siraj and Bhuvneshwar Kumar [@Cric666official, @RCBTweets/x]

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have always been a fan-favorite Indian Premier League (IPL) team. Despite never winning the coveted trophy, the team consistently puts on a great show, making them one of the most popular franchises. With IPL 2025 approaching and the season starting on March 21, RCB have made some massive changes to their squad after the IPL mega auction 2025, held in Saudi Arabia.

So, let’s take a closer look at the three biggest changes in their lineup.

Faf du Plessis Out, Phil Salt In

  • One of the biggest surprises is the departure of South African star Faf du Plessis. He had a successful stint with RCB, leading the team to the playoffs in IPL 2024 and scoring 438 runs that season. His best run came in 2023 when he smashed over 700 runs. However, RCB decided to release him before the 2025 auction, and he was picked up by Delhi Capitals for Rs 2 crore.


  • Taking his place is England’s explosive batter Phil Salt, who was bought by RCB for Rs 11.50 crore. Salt is expected to open the batting alongside Virat Kohli. He was in red-hot form for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024, scoring 435 runs in 12 innings with an impressive strike rate of 182.01. Salt's aggressive batting style makes him a perfect fit for RCB’s top order.

Glenn Maxwell Out, Krunal Pandya In

  • Glenn Maxwell, a key player for RCB since 2021, has also been released. Maxwell had a mixed record with the team, scoring 1,266 runs in 52 matches, including 12 half-centuries. While he was a vital part of RCB’s middle order alongside Kohli and AB de Villiers in 2021 and 2022, his form dipped in 2024, scoring only 52 runs in 10 matches. This likely influenced RCB’s decision to let him go. 
  • To fill Maxwell’s all-rounder role, RCB has brought in Krunal Pandya for Rs 5.75 crore. Pandya, previously with Lucknow Super Giants, is known for his consistent all-round performances. He started his IPL journey with Mumbai Indians in 2016, playing a crucial role in their three title wins. Pandya’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable addition to RCB’s middle order.

Mohammed Siraj Out , Bhuvneshwar Kumar In

  • Mohammed Siraj has been one of RCB’s most reliable bowlers over the years. However, RCB made the surprising decision not to retain him ahead of IPL 2025. Siraj, who had been with the team for six years, has now joined Gujarat Titans. Replacing him is veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was acquired by RCB for a whopping pay rise. 
  • Bhuvneshwar is one of the most effective powerplay bowlers in IPL history and was previously with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). During IPL 2024, he picked up 11 wickets in 16 matches and even starred in a last-ball thriller against Rajasthan Royals. Bhuvneshwar’s experience and ability to swing the ball early in the innings will be an important part for RCB, especially during powerplay overs.