'Virat Kohli Sent Feedback After Day 1': RCB Director Spills Day 2 Mega Auction Secret
Virat Kohli possibly intervened in RCB's auction strategy [Source: @Trend_VKohli/X.com]
After a dismal opening day of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru seemed to gather pace on Day 2, during which they added some quality players to their ranks. Among them were Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The director of cricket at RCB, Mo Bobat, did give an indirect indication that Virat Kohli himself was a stakeholder in a change in approach.
IPL 2025 mega auction Day 1 was an eventful day with marquee players fetching big deals from high spending teams like DC, LSG, GT and PBKS. Rishabh Pant ended up as costliest buy in auction history at INR 27 crore.
However, RCB did have an opportunity to rope in big names, including KL Rahul, especially with a purse of INR 83 crore up for grabs. However, not only did they let Rahul walk away to DC for INR 14 crore, but also refused to RTM Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell. As a result, the team was heavily trolled on social media.
Mo Bobat recalls receiving feedback from Virat Kohli
That said, on Day 2, RCB stepped in with a different approach. In the first round, RCB picked veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya and deceptive swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
During the auction, RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat spoke to the media and revealed that franchise face Virat Kohli sent several text messages to the management listing his feedback on Day 1.
"Virat [Kohli] has sent a few text messages on his feedback after Day 1 of the auction - he has lots of insight about players," Bobat said.
He shared insights on a lot of players available and also asserted his views on auction strategy. Needless to say, the former skipper’s inputs are being duly used as RCB have shown promise on Day 2.
RCB again denies RTM to Akashdeep, Faf Du Plessis
In more baffling decisions, RCB declined to use the RTM card for fast bowler Akashdeep Singh and last year’s captain Faf du Plessis. While Akashdeep has gone to LSG for INR 8 crore, Faf went to DC at his base price of INR 2 crore. Ironically, RCB have gone into the IPL 2025 mega auction with 3 RTM cards and after almost 4-5 rounds have not utilised a single one yet.