The first Indian to feature in the SA20 is Dinesh Karthik, who declared his retirement from international cricket last year. The former RCB wicketkeeper is now going to represent Paar Royals in the third season of SA20 league.

The brand ambassador of the Paar Royals, AB de Villiers, was somewhat excited about the involvement of Dinesh Karthik, and stated that is will increase the awareness of the tournament.

“I would love to see more Indian players involved. We know Dinesh Karthik will be here this year, which is fantastic, and it’s great for the tournament. Hopefully, the BCCI will allow us to get more Indian players in the future to come and join the fun of SA20,” AB de Villiers said during a media interaction.

Active Indian players are normally prohibited by the BCCI to play in foreign leagues. Though women are given the allowance to play in English and Australian cricket leagues, senior men have strict regulations. A number of veterans have started to retire earlier then expected in order to have their chance in foreign leagues.

The post Virat Kohli’s former RCB teammate requests BCCI to let more Indian star players play in SA20 League appeared first on Cricket Country.

The first dig was when he mentioned someone from RCB switching off his mic, and the second one was when he was sharing his memorable moment from when he made his IPL captaincy debut for CSK.
The dig was when he stated that CSK had defeated RCB in that game.

The first incident happened where Ruturaj was on stage and checking his mic by saying what looked like a ‘hello’. The mic was clearly off and when the mic got turned on, he did not waste any time and said “might be someone from RCB“. Everyone got a good laugh and the event continued.

The mic guy had turned off Rutu's mic by mistake and the presenter said "How can you turn off Ruturaj's mic"

Rutu – "Might be someone from RCB" 😭pic.twitter.com/o2ZljBs9BO

— Yash (@CSKYash_) December 19, 2024

The second instance happened when Ruturaj was asked about one memorable moment that happened in the CSK dressing room. He replied by saying, “my first match as an IPL captain was against RCB, and we have won that match.”

One memorable moment of Ruturaj – "To Captain CSK's 1st match and to win that too against RCB" 😎💥 nd To Captain Dhoni 🐐 pic.twitter.com/VRs63jv0BR

— Vaibhav' (@WhyyySoMuch) December 19, 2024

The 2025 season of the IPL is now set to begin March 14. Kolkata Knight Riders will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener. The final match of the T20 League Tournament will be played on May 25.

The post WATCH: Ruturaj Gaikwad roasts Royal Challengers Bengaluru two times before IPL 2025 appeared first on Cricket Country.

The franchise made open offer on Uttarakhand leg-spinner Prema Rawat, as they bought her for a massive sum of Rs 1.20 crore in the WPL 2025 auction. Apart from that, RCB also secured Joshita VJ, Raghvi Bist, and Jagravi Pawar.

The Bengaluru-based franchise had a budget of Rs. 3.25 crore, and they retained 14 players before the mini-auction.

Players bought by OCB in WPL 2025 Auction:

1. Prema Rawat (IND) – Rs. 1.20 crore
2. Joshitha VJ (IND) – Rs. 10 lakh
3. Raghvi Bist (IND) – Rs. 10 lakh
4. Jagravi Pawar (IND) – Rs. 10 lakh

RCB’s complete squad:
Smriti Mandhana (c), Sabbineni Meghana, Richa Ghosh, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Sophie Devine, Renuka Singh, Sophie Molineux, Ekta Bisht, Kate Cross, Kanika Ahuja, Danni Wyatt (traded), Prema Rawat (Rs. 1.20 crore), Joshitha VJ (Rs. 10 lakh), Raghvi Bist (Rs. 10 lakh),  Jagravi Pawar (Rs. 10 lakh)

Players retained by RCB before WPL 2025 auction:
Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Georgia Wareham, Kate Cross, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Asha Sobhana, Ekta Bisht, Kanika Ahuja, Renuka Singh, Richa Ghosh, Sabbhineni Meghana, Shreyanka Patil, Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux

The post Royal Challengers Bengaluru WPL 2025 Auction: RCB offers Hefty sum to Uttarakhand-based star appeared first on Cricket Country.

The candidate who will most likely take the captaincy is coming out as the name of Kohli, who has already captained the team since 2013 to 2021. Under his leadership, RCB made it to the playoffs a total of four times, and also nearly won the tournament in 2016.

“I don’t think it has been confirmed yet, but he will be the captain, I think, looking at the squad,” said AB de Villiers when speaking on his YouTube channel.

“We got Bhuvneshwar Kumar, happy with Josh Hazlewood. We did miss out on a couple here and there. Rabada was close, but at least we got Lungi Ngidi. He’s got a wonderful slower ball, if he is in form and fit, he is a force to be reckoned with,” he added.

De Villiers was conclusively satisfied with the work of the franchise in the IPL 2025 mega auctions, and praised the team for the squad that they have newly assembled, especially the team’s pace department.

The post ‘Will be the captain…’: AB de Villiers statement on Virat Kohli being the skipper for RCB in IPL 2025 appeared first on Cricket Country.

The reputation Kohli holds as a world-renowned athlete has grown by a lot of folds after this incident as his personality continues to earn more respect across the world.

The capacity of the Indian cricketer to engage both the leaders and the supporters at the same time showcases his extensive impact on and off the field.

On the caption of the post, Tim Watts shared his conversation with Kohli, stating that he could only get to cheer for the Indian superstar when he is in action for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL. Tim also shared how Kohli performed well against the over over the years, and complimented his batting qualities.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tim Watts MP (@timwattsmp)

“A bit of a thrill to meet the Australian and Indian players in the PM’s XI game at Parliament House tonight. I told Virat Kohli that I support Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL because it’s the only opportunity I get to legitimately barrack for him. I give him the highest praise I can offer any international cricketer when I say that I’ve loved watching him play because he plays like an Australian. Just not when he’s playing AGAINST Australia of course,” Tim Watts captioned his Instagram post.

The post Australian Minister, a Fan of Virat Kohli meets his Favourite Superstar player: Wholesome reaction appeared first on Cricket Country.

Bhuvaneshwar went on to his official ‘X’ account, and announced his departure from the Hyderabad franchise after he had spent 11 years with the team.

After 11 incredible years with SRH, I say goodbye to this team.
I have so many unforgettable and cherishable memories.
One thing unmissable is the love of the fans which has been splendid! Your support has been constant.
I will carry this love and support with me forever 🧡 pic.twitter.com/SywIykloHp

— Bhuvneshwar Kumar (@BhuviOfficial) November 28, 2024

“After 11 incredible years with SRH, I say goodbye to this team. I have so many unforgettable and cherishable memories. One thing unmissable is the love of the fans, which has been splendid! Your support has been constant. I will carry this love and support with me forever,” Bhuvaneshwar posted with a video to show his memorable moments with the team.

RCB squad after IPL 2025 auctions:
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone (Rs. 8.75 crore), Phil Salt (Rs. 11.50 crore), Jitesh Sharma (Rs. 11 crore), Josh Hazlewood (Rs. 12.50 crore), Rasikh Dar (Rs. 6 crore), Suyash Sharma (Rs. 2.60 crore), Krunal Pandya (Rs. 5.75 crore), Bhuvaneshwar Kumar (Rs. 10.75 crore), Swapnil Singh (Rs. 50 lakh), Tim David (Rs. 3 crore), Romario Shepherd (Rs. 1.50 crore), Nuwan Thushara (Rs. 1.60 crore), Manoj Bhandage (Rs. 30 lakh), Jacob Bethell (Rs. 2.60 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (Rs. 2 crore), Swastik Chhikara (Rs. 30 lakh), Lungi Ngidi (Rs. 1 crore), Abhinandan Singh (Rs. 30 lakh), Mohit Rathee (Rs. 30 lakh).

The post WATCH: Bhuvaneshwar Kumar shares emotional video with a farewell note to Sunrisers Hyderabad appeared first on Cricket Country.

Siraj ended his ties with RCB as the franchise did not retain him before the IPL 2025 mega auction. Even after the expectations that RCB would sign him again, they surprisingly did not even use the Right-to-Match (RTM) card. In the end, Gujarat Titans (GT) secured him in their team for Rs. 12.25 crores.

The farewell note by Siraj to Royal Challengers Bengaluru:

“To my dear RCB,

“Saat saal RCB ke saat mere dil ke bahut kareeb hai. (The 7 years with RCB are close to my heart) As I take look back on my time in an RCB shirt my heart is full of gratitude, love and emotion.”

“The day I first wore the RCB jersey, I never imagined the bond we would form. From the first ball I bowled in RCB colours, to every wicket taken, every match played, every moment shared with you, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. There have been ups and downs, but through it all, one thing has been constant: your unwavering support. RCB is more than just a franchise; it’s a feeling, a heartbeat, a family that feels like home,”

“There were nights when the losses hurt deeper than words can explain, but it was your voices in the stands, your messages on social media, your constant belief that kept me going. You, the fans of RCB, are the soul of this team. The energy you bring, the love you give, the faith you show, it’s unmatched. Every time I stepped onto that field, I felt the weight of your dreams and hopes, and I gave it my all because I knew you were right there behind me, pushing me to be better.”

“I have seen your tears when we’ve fallen short, and I’ve witnessed your celebrations when we’ve risen to the occasion. And let me tell you, there’s no fanbase in the world like you. Your love, your dedication, your loyalty—it’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

“Though I now step into a new chapter of my career, RCB will always have a piece of my heart. This isn’t goodbye—this is a thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for embracing me, and for making me feel like a part of something much bigger than just cricket.”

The post Mohammed Siraj sends an emotional letter for ex-IPL team after Gujarat Titans took him in IPL 2025 auction appeared first on Cricket Country.

In the biding war between Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, RCB came in as sudden appearance.

The bid started with MI, took over by LSG. Both the franchises were bidding against each other when RCB decided to step in and posted their bid.

No one bid over RCB and hence the team took in the veteran player for Rs. 10.75 crore.

The post BREAKING: Bhuvaneshwar Kumar bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for 10.75 crore appeared first on Cricket Country.

even though the franchise entered the auction with the second-highest purse remaining, they did not go all guns-blazing for players such as Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Mitchell Starc. The franchise only went for Liam Livingstone, which has left former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa quite surprised.

“Three are my favourite sides are KKR, CSK and RCB. I have played for all three sides. I am telling you as a local Bengaluru boy, I am confused. I genuinely do not understand how you have the second-biggest purse and how you do not go for the big players in the marquee sets,” Uthappa said.

“You did not make more than one pick. When you are trying to rebuild your side, when you are looking for a new direction, you have got the fans backing you year after year, they put their emotions, they are thronging the stadium year after year. When you go through social media, it seems they are let down. I, as a fan of RCB and former player, I feel like they missed a trick. You just wonder where they are heading,” he added.

“They haven’t gone after Mitchell Starc as they are looking for a gun bowler in those conditions. They should have gone after KL Rahul, they haven’t gone after even Rishabh Pant or Shreyas Iyer. You got that purse. You could have gone for Rs 23 crore for one of those players. They didn’t go that far,” he concluded.

RCB’s picks in Auction Day 1
On the first day of the mega auctions, RCB bought a total of six players- three overseas, one capped, and two uncapped players. The most expensive player for the franchise was Josh Hazlewood at Rs. 12.5 crore. England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt was second-highest at Rs. 11.5 crore.

The post ‘I don’t know how…’: Ex-Indian cricketer criticises RCB for not buying captain candidate KL Rahul appeared first on Cricket Country.