In the opening Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction of 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had the second-largest purse with ₹83 Cr. RCB made several key acquisitions on day one, focusing on experienced and explosive players. Here’s a look at their most expensive purchases:
1) Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 Cr)
RCB fought fiercely against Mumbai Indians, both teams keen on securing the Australian pacer. Ultimately, RCB sealed the deal for ₹12.50 Cr, bringing Hazlewood back to the franchise. Known for his precision and ability to generate steep bounce, Hazlewood has played for two IPL teams, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and RCB. In 27 matches, he has claimed 35 wickets at an average of 23.14 and an economy rate of 8.05. His standout season came in 2022, where he bagged 20 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 18.85. Despite a quieter IPL 2023, with just 3 wickets in 3 matches, Hazlewood’s consistency and impact under pressure highlight his quality as a frontline T20 bowler.
2) Phil Salt (₹11.50 Cr)
RCB secured the English wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt for ₹11.50 Cr, beating his previous team, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in the bidding war. Salt made his mark in the IPL with explosive performances for Delhi Capitals (DC) and KKR. In 21 matches, he has scored 653 runs at a strike rate of 175.53, with an average of 34.36 and a high score of 89*. His standout season came in IPL 2024 with KKR, where he amassed 435 runs in 12 matches at an average of 39.54 and a blistering strike rate of 182.00. Salt’s ability to hit boundaries consistently and his aggressive style make him a valuable asset in the shortest format.
3) Jitesh Sharma (₹11 Cr)
RCB showed strong interest in the Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, initially winning the bid at ₹7 Cr against CSK. However, PBKS exercised their Right to Match (RTM) card, forcing RCB to up their bid to ₹11 Cr, which was accepted. Sharma has been a power-hitting finisher for PBKS, amassing 730 runs in 40 matches at a strike rate of 151.13. In IPL 2024, he managed 187 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 131.69, while in IPL 2023, he scored 309 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 156.06. His versatility, both as a batter and wicketkeeper, has made him a valuable player, with 25 catches and 4 stumpings across his IPL career.
4) Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 Cr)
RCB secured the swing king, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, for ₹10.75 Cr after a bidding war with MI and LSG. Bhuvneshwar has been one of the most reliable bowlers in IPL history, known for his swing, accuracy, and ability to deliver under pressure. With 181 wickets in 176 matches across two teams, he has claimed the Purple Cap in IPL 2016 and 2017. His best bowling performance is 5/19, and his economy rate stands at 7.56. Though his recent IPL seasons have seen a slight dip, especially in IPL 2024 with just 11 wickets in 16 matches, his experience and skill remain crucial in the powerplay and death overs.
5) Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 Cr)
RCB outbid CSK to acquire the English all-rounder Liam Livingstone for ₹8.75 Cr. Known for his explosive batting and handy bowling, Livingstone has scored 939 runs in 39 IPL matches at a strike rate of 162.45. His best batting season came in 2022 when he scored 437 runs for PBKS at a strike rate of 182.08. In addition to his batting, Livingstone offers valuable bowling options, with 11 wickets in 39 IPL matches, including a best of 3/27. Though his 2024 season has been quieter, his all-round contributions make him an invaluable asset for RCB.