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Romario Shepherd's Signing And? 3 Auction Masterstrokes That Worked Wonders For RCB

Debashis Sarangi

Romario Shepherd hammered a blistering 50 vs CSK [Source: AP]Romario Shepherd hammered a blistering 50 vs CSK [Source: AP]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have emerged as a tough team to beat in the IPL 2025 season. Led by Rajat Patidar, the Red Brigade almost sealed their qualification for the playoffs with a thrilling two-run win over arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) last night. 

Although they had a topsy-turvy start, losing two of their first five matches, RCB managed to turn things around, securing emphatic victories in five of their subsequent six games. As RCB's rise continues to grab the attention, here are three mega auction masterstrokes that paid rich dividends for the Royal Challengers. 

3. Preferring Jacob Bethell Over Will Jacks

  • In a move that surprised many, RCB ignored Will Jacks and allotted an overseas slot to Jacob Bethell, purchasing him for an amount of INR 2.60 Crores. This was a gusty call, given Will Jacks had struck 230 runs, including a ton, at a blistering strike rate of 175.57 in IPL 2024. 
  • However, RCB made the decision based on Bethell's sublime batting form and eventually reaped rewards. The southpaw perfectly fit himself as Virat Kohli's batting partner once Phil Salt got injured, scoring a blistering fifty in the crucial clash against CSK. 
  • On the other hand, the performance of Will Jacks declined in MI colours, with the batter managing 142 runs across eight outings at a poor average of 20.29 and a strike rate of 122.41. 

2. Showing Trust In Devdutt Padikkal

Criterion
In IPL 2024
In IPL 2025
Innings710
Runs38247
Average5.4327.44
Strike Rate71.70150.61

(Devdutt Padikkal's stats)

  • Devdutt Padikkal had his worst IPL season last year, managing only 38 runs across seven innings at a horrible average of 5.43 and a strike rate of 71.70. However, RCB backed the batter for a turnaround and bought him for INR 2 Crores despite his horrendous numbers. 
  • RCB's backing did a lot of good to Padikkal's confidence, as he stepped up as their key performer at number three. Apart from two blistering fifties against PBKS and RR, Padikkal played a valuable knock against Mumbai Indians as well. 
  • His resurgence definitely boosted RCB's top-order, which initially seemed a bit over-dependent on the legendary Virat Kohli. 

1. Buying Shepherd, Krunal, David And Hazlewood

  • Last but not the least, RCB bought Romario Shepherd, Tim David along with all-rounder Krunal Pandya and injury-prone Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood. All of these players stepped up to the occasion at one point or the other, with Hazlewood showcasing remarkable consistency and scalping 18 wickets as their premier fast bowler. 
  • Krunal Pandya has bagged fourteen wickets, while David and Shepherd have been prolific as RCB's finishers, striking at 193.75 and 378.57. These buys were certainly bold moves, considering none of these players were at their prime when RCB roped them in.