IPL Mega Auction is a pivotal event for franchises, providing an opportunity to reshape their teams and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a critical juncture during the IPL 2025 auction, where they had several opportunities to acquire top players but ultimately missed out on key talents. Here’s a closer look at three players RCB almost secured during the IPL Mega Auction but let slip through their fingers.
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David Miller
One of the standout players RCB pursued was South African cricketer David Miller. The bidding for Miller began with a fierce contest between RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT). Initially, RCB seemed poised to secure Miller after GT backed out at ₹5.25 crore. However, as the auction progressed, Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the fray, driving the price higher.
RCB remained competitive and nearly secured Miller for ₹7.25 crore when DC also withdrew from the bidding. Just as it seemed RCB would clinch the deal, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made a last-minute bid, pushing the price to ₹7.50 crore. RCB opted not to increase their bid further, resulting in LSG acquiring Miller. Had RCB been willing to stretch their budget just a bit more, they could have added a proven match-winner known for his explosive batting and experience in high-pressure situations.
T Natarajan
Another significant player that RCB almost acquired was Indian fast bowler T Natarajan. Registered at a base price of ₹2 crore, Natarajan initially attracted interest from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and RCB. As the bidding heated up, SRH backed out, allowing DC to enter the competition.
The price escalated rapidly as DC pushed Natarajan’s value from ₹4.20 crore to an impressive ₹10.75 crore. RCB placed a bid of ₹10.50 crore but ultimately decided against raising it when DC made another offer. Natarajan’s prowess as a death-over specialist would have greatly enhanced RCB’s bowling attack, providing them with a reliable option in crucial match situations.
Venkatesh Iyer
The auction also saw fierce competition for all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. Starting at a base price of ₹2 crore, Iyer quickly became a hot commodity as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) initiated the bidding process. After KKR and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) engaged in a back-and-forth bidding war, RCB entered the scene with aggressive bids.
RCB pushed Iyer’s price from ₹8 crore to over ₹20 crore in an intense bidding war with KKR. However, they ultimately backed out at ₹23.50 crore, allowing KKR to secure Iyer for ₹25.75 crore—a significant increase from his previous salary of ₹8 crore. Iyer’s all-round capabilities would have provided RCB with much-needed depth in both batting and bowling departments.
Conclusion: Missed Opportunities in IPL Mega Auction
The IPL Mega Auction presented several opportunities for RCB to significantly strengthen their squad. The near-acquisition of David Miller, T Natarajan, and Venkatesh Iyer highlights the challenges they faced during the bidding process and raises questions about their overall strategy.
While RCB managed to retain some key players and make other acquisitions, the loss of these three talents could impact their performance in the upcoming season. As fans eagerly await IPL 2025, it remains to be seen how these decisions will shape RCB’s journey toward finally clinching their first IPL title.
The cautious approach displayed during this auction may serve as a lesson for future strategies as they continue to seek success on the cricketing stage. The excitement surrounding the IPL Mega Auction continues to resonate among fans and analysts alike, making it one of the most anticipated events in cricketing calendars worldwide.
