What was the reason behind RCB's low-key approach in the IPL 2023 auction?

With a few days past, it is the right time to evaluate the most glamorous team of the Indian Premier League, the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Over the years the franchise has gone after the big names in the auctions and often the plans have backfired. But in recent years, it looks like they have a much more settled plan and are looking to build a strong core that stays together for a longer period. 


image-lc658xs4RCB Auction Table (Source: Twitter)

So, how did they perform in the mini-auctions for the 2023 season of the mega league? Let's take an analytical dive into their strategy and assess their buys of the auction. 

First of all a look at their squad before the auction. 

Faf du Plessis (capt), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep

What did they need?

RCB was one of those franchises that did not release too many of their players ahead of the auction. They kept the majority of their squad together and all the bases there looked mostly looked covered. 

All they needed was a good pacer who could be a backup for the Australian, Josh Hazlewood. 

Prime Buy: Reece Topley (INR 1.90 Cr)

image-lc65ambdReece Topley (Source: Twitter)

RCB opted to go for Reece Topley and it was a great decision by the franchise. Also, they managed to pick him up at a relatively low price of INR 1.90 Cr. 

Topley not only gives them the backup of Hazlewood, but they can also look to play him in the playing XI and that would give them an added option of having a left-arm pacer in their ranks. This adds great dynamism and flexibility to an already settled bowling unit.

The only concern is that Topley is untested in Indian conditions and if they require his services how he adapts to the conditions will be interesting to see. 

Over Expensive Buy: Will Jacks (INR 3.20 Cr)

The second buy for the RCB was that of Will Jacks. Jack is known for his hitting prowess in the lower middle order and also he can contribute with his left-arm orthodox spin bowling. 

But with Shahbaz Ahmed and Glenn Maxwell already in their squad, did they need him? It might be that they wanted a backup of Maxwell, but if they were looking for that they could have gone for much cheaper Indian options. 

Although they might have a good strategy and think behind picking up Will Jacks, the buy looks like an expensive, non-utility buy.

Back up Buys

Himanshu Sharma ( INR 20 Lakhs) - Backup Spinner

Manoj Bhandage ( INR 20 Lakhs) - Backup pace bowling all-rounder

Rajan Kumar ( INR 70 Lakhs) - Backup Indian batter

Avinash Singh ( INR 60 Lakhs) - Backup pacer

Sonu Yadav ( INR 20 Lakhs) - Backup All-rounder

Auction Rating: 8/10


Probable Playing XI

  1.  Faf du Plessis (c) ✈️
  2. Virat Kohli
  3. Rajat Patidar
  4. Glenn Maxwell ✈️
  5. Dinesh Karthik (wk)
  6. Suyash Prabhudessai
  7. Shahbaz Ahmed
  8. Wanindu Hasaranga ✈️
  9. Harshal Patel
  10. Mohammad Siraj
  11. Josh Hazlewood ✈️

Also Read: How did Chennai Super Kings fare in the IPL 2023 auction?