Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are facing significant criticism for their IPL 2025 auction strategy, especially after failing to secure some of their former star players. A key point of contention has been their decision not to use the Right to Match (RTM) card on Will Jacks, despite the English all-rounder’s impressive performances for the franchise last season.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif was particularly vocal in his criticism, pointing out that Jacks played a crucial role in RCB’s turnaround during the second half of IPL 2024. Jacks had been instrumental in helping the team qualify for the playoffs, thanks to his explosive performances with both bat and ball. He scored 230 runs in eight matches, including a rapid century and a half-century, and was also effective with the ball.
In the IPL 2025 auction, Jacks entered on Day 2, attracting immediate attention from Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, who engaged in a bidding war. The five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians eventually won the bidding with an offer of ₹5.25 crore, leaving many to expect RCB to use their RTM card to match the bid. However, RCB surprised everyone by opting not to match the price, a decision that has left fans and experts alike in disbelief.
Kaif criticized RCB’s auction planning, saying, “Jacks saved their honor last year. RCB came in the top four because of him. I remember two key matches — he helped RCB beat Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad with his bowling and scored a stunning century against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad off just 40 balls. Will Jacks won them those two matches single-handedly, and they didn’t take him back.”
Kaif also expressed disappointment with RCB’s overall auction strategy, stating that despite having a large purse, they seemed reluctant to acquire quality players. He pointed out that RCB had let go of players like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Jacks, who had all performed well in the past. “It’s not easy for any batter to score a hundred, and Jacks did that for RCB. The fans will be extremely disappointed,” Kaif added.
Reflecting on the auction’s outcome, Kaif concluded, “RCB’s planning was poor from Day 1, and it only got worse on Day 2. Not signing Jacks is a massive miss for them.” Fans of the franchise will be hoping that RCB’s management learns from this blunder as they aim to build a more competitive team for IPL 2025.
