RCB WPL 2025 Auction Strategy: 3 Key Indian Targets for Smriti Mandhana & Co

RCB Prepares for WPL 2025 Auction After Releasing Seven Players

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending WPL 2025 champions. They have released seven players ahead of the auction. Among the released players are England captain Heather Knight and her 2024 replacement, South African all-rounder Nadine de Klerk, along with five Indian names.

With a strong core group retained, RCB now looks to fill critical gaps in their lineup during the auction. Here’s a breakdown of their squad and key areas they need to address to stay dominant in WPL 2025.

RCB Squad Ahead of WPL 2025 Auction

Batters: Smriti Mandhana, Sabbineni Meghana, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (traded).

Wicket-keepers: Richa Ghosh.

All-rounders: Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, Kanika Ahuja.

Pacers: Renuka Singh, Kate Cross.

Spinners: Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Ekta Bisht.

What Does RCB Need?

RCB’s biggest strength lies in its star-studded top order and a group of overseas all-rounders. With players like Ellyse Perry and Sophie Devine, they have match-winners. Both can excel with bat and ball. But, RCB’s overseas quota of six players is full. So, they will now focus on strengthening their Indian players.

Key gaps in the squad include a dependable middle-order batter and an Indian pacer. These additions would provide balance and depth to an already formidable lineup.

3 Players RCB Should Target in WPL 2025 Auction

1. Tejal Hasabnis

Tejal Hasabnis, a middle-order batter, is a rising star in Indian cricket. During her ODI debut against New Zealand in October, Hasabnis batted at No. 6 and played a crucial knock of 42 off 64 balls under pressure, helping India post a winning total.

Though she has yet to play T20Is, Hasabnis has the skill and temperament for high-stakes matches. Signing her would fix RCB’s middle-order issues. A strong WPL season could earn her a T20I call-up.

2. Shradda Pokharkar

Maharashtra pacer Shradda Pokharkar is familiar to RCB. She played for them three times last season. In addition, she has played under Smriti Mandhana for West Zone in domestic cricket.

Mandhana knows Pokharkar’s skills. So, the pacer is a natural choice to boost RCB’s fast-bowling. RCB should not use her as a backup player, as in the past. They should try to buy her in this year’s auction.

3. Kanika Ahuja

India all-rounder Kanika Ahuja missed the last two WPL seasons due to injuries. But, she is a valuable option for RCB. Ahuja is a spin-bowler and a lower-order batter. RCB needs her to boost their spin-bowling depth.

Bringing Ahuja back would give Bangalore an experienced Indian spinner. He can also bat in pressure situations. If acquired, she could complement their overseas all-rounders and strengthen their bowling attack.

RCB’s WPL 2025 auction strategy is to secure key Indian players. They need to fill gaps in their middle order and fast-bowling lineup. Tejal Hasabnis, Shradda Pokharkar, and Kanika Ahuja are perfect. They are versatile and reliable in their roles.

If RCB implements their plans, they will be ready to defend their title in WPL 2025 and stay dominant in the tournament.