MUMBAI: Turns out the biggest impact player of IPL 2025 isn’t even an “impact player”, it’s Dhoni. A new report titled The IPL Pulse by 23 Watts Insights Studio has bowled over cricket buffs with fan-fuelled findings from over 5,000 respondents across 10 cities. From emerging icons to unexpected frontrunners, the survey captures the shifting allegiances, breakout stars, and strategic evolution of this year’s league proving once again that in India, cricket isn’t just watched, it’s felt.
At 42, MS Dhoni may not be scoring big with the bat, but his grip on the nation’s heart remains unshaken. A whopping 73 per cent fans say he shouldn’t retire just yet, with 35.13 per cent calling him the “soul of CSK” and 37.77 per cent admitting he’s not in peak form, but still brings immense value. Only 27 per cent feel it’s time for Thala to trade the gloves for the dugout.
While legends still shine, Gen Z has crowned its new prince. Rajasthan Royals’ teen dynamo Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as the most impressive debutant with 31.4 per cent votes. Following close are Mumbai Indians’ Ashwani Kumar (21 per cent) and South African import Ryan Rickelton (15.8 per cent), whose flair with the bat has turned heads across formats.
When it comes to bowling nightmares, Jasprit Bumrah (32.4 per cent) reigns supreme, followed by CSK’s crafty spinner Noor Ahmad (28.4 per cent). Fans, though, are clearly on the pace bandwagon 65.3 per cent believe fast bowlers are tougher to face than spinners this season.
It’s the year of the underdog. According to the report, 65 per cent of fans are hoping for a first-time IPL winner. Royal Challengers Bangalore leads the fairytale charge with 44 per cent of the vote, ahead of Delhi Capitals (12 per cent), Punjab Kings (7 per cent) and Lucknow Super Giants (2 per cent). Mumbai Indians (13 per cent) and CSK (12 per cent) remain in the hunt, but fan hopes seem to favour fresh silverware.
Love it or overhype it, the “Impact Player” rule has divided the pitch but not the people. An overwhelming 78 per cent agree it’s added a strategic edge to the game, while 20 per cent say it’s tough on true-blue all-rounders.
Key takeaways from The IPL Pulse:
. Thala for life: Only 1 in 4 fans want Dhoni to retire.
. Debut delight: Suryavanshi and Kumar lead the rookie chart.
. Bowling heat: Bumrah is still the batter’s worst nightmare.
. Dark horse energy: RCB tops wishlist for a new IPL champion.
. Rule reimagined: “Impact player” earns mass approval.
With 55 matches down and plenty more fireworks to come, The IPL Pulse proves one thing beyond doubt, the love for cricket is as layered and unpredictable as the tournament itself. And in this game, it’s not just the players making an impact, it’s the fans who write the script.
MUMBAI: Bengaluru’s skies just got a sixer’s worth of star power courtesy of RCB fans. As IPL fever tightens its grip on the country, Puma India is taking the fandom game up a notch by putting Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) loyalists on the big screen literally. In a first-of-its-kind digital activation, fans can now appear alongside their cricketing idols on a high-impact billboard in Bengaluru through a unique ‘Fan on a Billboard’ experience.
The campaign launched ahead of RCB’s home match on April 18, featuring RCB’s biggest names Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Phil Salt. All it takes is a trip to the Puma stores at Indiranagar or Brigade Road, where fans can don their official Puma x RCB jerseys and capture pictures or videos with virtual versions of their heroes in a specially designed photo booth. The cherry on top? Their content gets beamed across the city on a giant digital screen.
RCB, with over 18 million Instagram followers, recently bagged the title of India’s most-followed cricket franchise. With a billion searches and 12 million social media conversations in 2024 alone, Puma’s campaign taps into a massive well of fan passion and turns it into something unforgettable.
“At Puma, we’ve always kept the consumer at the center of everything we do, especially when it comes to sport,” said Puma India, director of marketing Shreya Sachdev. “RCB fans are some of the most passionate out there, and this experience is our way of putting them right where they belong next to their heroes. In a world where tech often takes people further apart, we’re using it to do the opposite, bringing fans closer to the game and the players they love,” she added.
The activation also signals how Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising is evolving in India. According to the Pitch Madison Advertising Report 2025, OOH revenues jumped from Rs 4,140 crore in 2023 to Rs 4,650 crore in 2024 and are expected to grow at 12 per cent in 2025. But Puma’s effort goes beyond static visualsM it’s an immersive, personalised moment on a public canvas, giving fans their 15 seconds of fame, backed by serious tech muscle.
From turning store names into Puma to honour PV Sindhu, to crafting an anthem from runners’ warm-up sounds, to letting fans “dive” into AI-generated campaigns Puma India has been sprinting ahead in innovation. With the Fan on a Billboard experience, they’ve bowled over cricket lovers once again making sure the fans don’t just wear the jersey, they become part of the game.
MUMBAI: As IPL 2025 gears up, ITC Masterchef Creations returns as the official gourmet food partner for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the third year in a row, bringing match-day dining to a whole new level. This season, the collaboration introduces a delectable, elevated food experience with the launch of ‘The Royal Platter’ a gourmet twist on traditional match snacks.
This innovative platter offers an indulgent yet refined approach to stadium food. Featuring fire-grilled, slow-marinated kebabs, it’s designed to keep fans satisfied without the greasy overload. ‘The Royal Platter’ includes a mix of smoky, succulent kebabs such as Chicken Tangdi, Murgh Malai Tikka, Chandi Tikka, and the vegetarian-friendly Veg Galouti and Paneer Dhungar, served with tangy mint chutney and masala onions.
For the ultimate culinary experience, fans can also savour Pav Burgers, onion Kulcha Dabeli, and crunchy Mini Samosas, along with refreshing beverages like Jamun Kala Khatta, Masala Shikanji, and Guava Chilli Juice.
“Every IPL season, we push the envelope on match-day snacking, and this year, we’re bringing an all-new gourmet range to the table,” said ITC Masterchef Creations. “ ‘The Royal Platter’ redefines what fans can expect from stadium food, offering indulgence with sophistication, just like the game itself.”
MUMBAI: The Tata Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 has made a thunderous start, smashing viewership records on JioStar. With cricket fans tuning in across platforms, the opening match between Gujarat Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore became the most-watched league stage match ever on television.
As the second leg of #WPL2025 kicks off in Bengaluru, BCCI secretary Jay Shah took to social media to celebrate the tournament’s historic viewership figures. In a tweet, he revealed, “the Opening match was watched by over 3 crore viewers on TV, making it the most-watched league stage match ever. TV ratings on @StarSportsIndia surged 150 per cent, while digital viewership on @JioHotstar climbed 70 per cent compared to last season. Witnessing records being shattered is truly inspiring,” he remarked.
The numbers speak for themselves—TV ratings for the opening game skyrocketed by 73 per cent compared to last year, proving that women’s cricket is no longer a side event but a main attraction. Meanwhile, connected TV (CTV) saw an astonishing 102 per cent surge in reach, with average concurrency doubling till match five. Digital streaming reach also grew by 10 per cent, cementing JioStar’s dominance as the go-to platform for live sports.
With digital consumption at an all-time high, the Tata WPL’s explosive growth on JioStar signals a shift in how audiences engage with cricket. The numbers highlight a clear trend—sports streaming is the future, and JioStar is at the forefront of this revolution.
As Tata WPL 2025 continues its action-packed season, fans and brands alike have a golden opportunity to be part of this cricketing evolution. The landscape of women’s cricket is changing, and JioStar is leading the charge.
Mumbai: Himalaya Wellness, a leading FMCG wellness brand, has recently made a return to the Women’s T20 League, this time with a unique and engaging campaign titled #TakeMySPOT which goes beyond basic product promotion / integration, celebrating women in sports and resonating with audiences through humour and engaging storytelling.
The campaign serves as a rallying cry, urging individuals to challenge the status quo and create space for themselves and others in every sphere of life. It encourages people to embrace their uniqueness and stand tall in a world that often seeks to confine them within predefined roles and expectations.
#TakeMySPOT cleverly used the concept of “spot” with a playful twist. The teaser phase, launched during the first RCB match, saw players sporting #TakeMySPOT on their caps, leaving viewers curious while sparking social conversations. A video featuring RCB star cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil alongside content creator Danish Sait who added a layer of humour into the video with his witty take on the “spot” theme kept the audience guessing. This effectively amplified the campaign’s message making the teaser hashtag #TakeMySpot trend no1 on Twitter during RCB’s first match. To build further excitement, the brand utilized a 360-degree strategy across radio, social media, outdoor advertising, and YouTube.
Indiantelevision.com reached out to Himalaya Wellness Company’s business director Rajesh Krishnamurthy, who shed light on the overall campaign and how the brand has taken a shift from traditional sponsorships to creating narratives that connect with audiences emotionally.
Edited excerpts
On the inspiration behind Himalaya Wellness’s decision to return to the Women’s T20 League with the #TakeMySPOT campaign
The inspiration behind Himalaya Wellness’s decision to return to the Women’s T20 League with the #TakeMySPOT campaign stems from the resounding success of our previous collaboration with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Last year’s “#NotFair” campaign with RCB achieved remarkable brand awareness and sparked positive conversations about inclusivity, aligning perfectly with Himalaya’s commitment to celebrating women in sports and promoting beauty and wellness. Building on this momentum, we recognized the strategic opportunity to continue leveraging our partnership with RCB for the second season. Our decision to return to the Women’s T20 League with the #TakeMySPOT campaign is driven by our desire to replicate the prior season’s positive brand impact and further build upon our association with RCB. By promoting our latest product, the Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash, through this campaign, we aim to continue supporting and acknowledging the well-deserved SPOT of women in sports.
On this campaign aiming to celebrate and empower women in sports
The #TakeMySPOT campaign aims to celebrate and empower women in sports in several ways. Firstly, by partnering with the Women’s T20 League and featuring prominent female cricketers from RCB, the campaign highlights the talent and achievements of women in cricket, showcasing their capabilities on a significant platform. Through the #TakeMySPOT campaign, our focus has been to celebrate women in sports and acknowledge their well-deserved place on the field, while launching our latest Himalaya Turmeric Dark Spot Clearing Face Wash and Face Care Range. Continuing the association also allowed us to keep driving relevant discussions around women’s spot in sports. Additionally, the Women’s T20 League embodies empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity in cricket, values that resonate with Himalaya’s brand narrative, further reinforcing the campaign’s message of celebrating women in sports. Moreover, the campaign leverages the significant online viewership and popularity of the Women’s T20 League to reach a diverse demographic of cricket fans in India, including sports enthusiasts. Through collaborations with RCB and the BCCI’s efforts in equalizing the sport and supporting the Women’s T20 League, the campaign promotes gender equality and empowers women by providing them with equal opportunities and recognition in sports. Also, as the campaign prominently features renowned female cricketers from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team, it not only supports these athletes in their journey but also serves as an inspiration for young women looking to pursue their passions in sports.
On the role of humour and storytelling resonating with the campaign’s target audience
Humour and storytelling play crucial roles in resonating with the campaign’s target audience by adding depth and relatability to the messaging. The campaign’s central message emphasizes the hard work and determination of every player to earn their spot on the team, highlighting their efforts to challenge societal norms in the field of sports. To add a playful twist to the narrative, we partnered with content creator Danish, who brings an element of wit to the film. By incorporating humour into the storytelling, the campaign effectively captures the audience’s attention and makes the message more engaging and memorable. Moreover, as I mentioned earlier, the quirky correlation between the efforts of women cricketers to secure their spot on the field and Himalaya’s efforts to eliminate tough spots on the face using the new Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash is cleverly woven into the storytelling. This connection not only resonates with the audience but also aligns with Himalaya’s core values. The execution of the #TakeMySPOT campaign was actioned in two phases, Teaser and Reveal, further enhances the storytelling aspect. The teaser campaign ignited user interest and stimulated online discussions during RCB’s opening match. The reveal phase of the campaign effectively answered the curiosity generated and the anticipation that was built among the audience during the teaser phase. This strategic approach to storytelling ensures maximum engagement and impact, ultimately driving the success of the campaign.
On some challenges faced in conceptualizing and executing this campaign, particularly considering the sensitive nature of gender representation in advertising
Advertising with gender representation can be sensitive but when done in alignment with the brand’s core values can become an advantage. Through this campaign, Himalaya aims to cultivate a supportive environment where female athletes can flourish and serve as inspirations to others. This reflects the brand’s values and contributes to building an encouraging society. By intertwining these themes with a quirky promotion of the product, we reinforced our commitment to driving social change through an engaging delivery. In this creative, Humor & quirkiness served as a powerful tool for engaging consumers across age groups while still communicating the main message. This holistic approach not only promotes Himalaya’s brand values but also contributes to creating a supportive and empowering space for female athletes to thrive and inspire others.
On any plans to extend the #TakeMySPOT campaign beyond the Women’s T20 League
Beyond cricket, Himalaya’s collaboration with the GoEqual Premier League expands our commitment to women’s empowerment. The collaboration aims to promote the celebration of women’s rightful place in sports, advocating for equality and breaking away from gender stereotypes. This partnership delves deeper into the community level, focusing on grassroots football programs that nurture participation and inclusivity. Here, our key objectives go beyond the playing field. We aim to invest in the future by supporting infrastructure development and skill-building initiatives for young female footballers. The GoEqual Premier League itself dismantles gender stereotypes by providing a platform where girls are valued for their abilities, not limited by outdated expectations. This collaboration is more focused on creating pathways for talented young women to succeed in life.
By engaging with local communities, schools, youth organizations, and professional teams through the GoEqual Premier League, we aim to strengthen our social impact and reinforce our overall commitment to inclusivity. This partnership aligns perfectly with our broader goals of promoting empowerment of women. Moreover, by connecting with a new audience passionate about women’s football, we’re expanding our brand reach and further solidifying our identity as a champion for positive social change.
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the TATA IPL 2024, has set the stage on fire with the release of its promo film for the highly anticipated season opener where the reigning champions Chennai Super Kings gear up to face off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in what promises to be a thrilling clash of IPL’s biggest heroes. Featuring in the promo-film are Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, who will also star in the upcoming film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, set to hit theatres this EID, April 2024.
In this fun banter between Kumar and Shroff, the viewers will see them lending their support to the two dynamic rivals, with Kumar rallying behind Dhoni and the CSK squad, while Shroff places his bets on Kohli and the dynamic RCB side.
Speaking about the promo film, Kumar said, “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is all about ACTION and ENTERTAINMENT and so is TATA IPL 2024. It was exciting to shoot a fun banter promo with my Chote Miyan Tiger Shroff and bring out our chemistry from the film to the Main Stage campaign for Star Sports.”
Shroff added, “I am excited and had fun shooting the promo with my Bade Miyan, Akshay Kumar for TATA IPL 2024, IPL is not just a sport it’s about bringing the world together through the love of the game. Hope you guys enjoy the IPL too with your Bade and Chote Miyan”
Mumbai: Following the resounding success of its association with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the inaugural edition of the Women’s T20 League that embraced beauty positivity, leading Wellness brand, Himalaya Wellness, is proud to announce its continued partnership with the team for the ongoing season. This year, with the #TakeMySPOT campaign, the focus shifts to celebrating their hard-earned spots and achievements on the field. Through this quirky campaign Himalaya acknowledges that while no one can take these well-deserved spots, for the unwanted spots on face, there’s Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash and Face Care Range.
As an extension of the #TakeMySPOT campaign, Himalaya is also breaking new ground by teaming up with the GoEqual Premier League, to celebrate women’s rightful spot in the realm of football. This thrilling collaboration isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s about breaking away gender stereotypes to level the playing field. By investing in grassroots football programs and engaging with local communities, schools, and professional teams to promote football, Himalaya aims to provide the much-deserved SPOT for every woman who dreams of being a part of this sport.
The new campaign, for Himalaya’s latest offering, the Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash #TakeMySPOT, carries a very powerful message. Just like the RCB players who fight relentlessly to secure their positions on the cricket pitch, women across all walks of life have diligently carved their own spaces and earned their rightful place. While women strive hard to earn their spots, the Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash & Face Care Range effortlessly tackles unwanted spots on the face. The turmeric face care range harnesses the power of organically sourced turmeric that is extracted using the time-tested Ayurvedic method called Svarasa.
Unfolding in two phases, the campaign cleverly used the concept of “spot” with a playful twist. The teaser phase, launched during the first RCB match, saw players sporting #TakeMySPOT on their caps, leaving viewers curious while sparking social conversations. A video featuring RCB star cricketers Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Shreyanka Patil alongside content creator Danish Sait who added a layer of humour into the video with his witty take on the “spot” theme kept the audience guessing. This effectively amplified the campaign’s message making the teaser hashtag #TakeMySpot trend no1 on Twitter during RCB’s first match. To build further excitement, the brand utilized a 360-degree strategy across radio, social media, outdoor advertising, and YouTube.
In the second phase of the campaign, the brand wittingly revealed that the spots reference was to the unwanted spots on the face that Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash & Face Care Range can effectively remove. This impactful reveal seamlessly tied the campaign’s message to the brand. With this campaign, Himalaya celebrates the unwavering spirit of women who have fought hard to claim their rightful positions—on the field and in life. It reminds everyone that while no one can take away their hard-earned spots, Himalaya can help tackle those unwanted spots on their faces. The campaign sustained its clever utilization of the “spot” concept through a series of videos featuring cheeky interactions between Danish and RCB’s star cricketers. The brand’s association was revealed on 29th February, with a change in the RCB players’ cap messages. The mystery finally resolving itself created excitement amongst the RCB fans, causing it to trend on twitter again on the no1 position.
For more than 90 years, Himalaya Wellness Company has been a leader in bringing Wellness in every Home and Happiness in every Heart.
Himalaya Wellness Company business director Rajesh Krishnamurthy expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The success of our partnership with the Women’s Premier League in 2023 inspired us to continue our association in this year’s edition. Along with the cricketers, we’re thrilled to bring the excitement of Danish Sait’s collaboration to the #TakeMySPOT campaign, adding a layer of humour and intrigue as we tackle the topic of stubborn spots with our new Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash and Face Care Range.
“We’re thrilled to see the incredible response to the #TakeMySPOT campaign teaser, which trended at Number 1 on Twitter on day 1 of RCB’s match and also with the reveal trending at no1 on 29th of February! We’re confident that this year’s partnership, much like last year, will not only generate excitement around the product, but also continue to solidify our connection with the women’s T20 league audience,” said Himalaya marketing director – personal care & hygiene Ragini Hariharan. “We’re proud to introduce this face wash and face care range, formulated using a unique cold-pressed extraction technology called Svarasa that preserves the essential components of turmeric. This research-backed formula empowers our consumers to tackle dark spots and achieve healthy, radiant skin.”
Speaking on the occasion, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) VP & head Rajesh Menon said, “We are glad to extend our partnership with Himalaya as we get into the second season. Both the brands share the same core values of inclusivity and diversity and care for the causes that matters to impact the society positively.”
The new Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Wash is made by harnessing the power of organically sourced turmeric extracted using the advanced Ayurvedic Svarasa Technique, which preserves its natural goodness. The non-staining formula helps you get bright, healthy, and radiant skin
Face Wash – category manager Gayatri Kabilan added, “This innovation marks Himalaya’s greater initiative towards tackling the growing problem of dark spots caused by sun exposure, acne scars, and previously overlooked concerns. While overcoming spots, we’ve also taken steps to care for the environment as the face wash comes in a fully recyclable and environmentally conscious tube.”
Mumbai: Breaking gender biases, the passionate fanbase of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), also called the 12-man army, is offering India a first-ever glimpse of genuine fandom in women’s cricket by rallying in full force to support their team in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.
After the inaugural season of the WPL in Mumbai last year, the second edition of the league has expanded to two cities, with Bengaluru hosting the first eleven matches of the league stage before shifting to Delhi.
The M Chinnaswamy stadium, which is the home stadium of RCB has been witnessing an electrifying atmosphere as a staggering 30,000 cricket enthusiasts gathered to support the RCB Women’s team in most of their league matches played so far.
“I’m used to hearing them yell out Smriti’s name, so it’s sort of quite nice to hear that they’re calling my name. The crowds have been fantastic here. Everyone spoke about RCB fans and how good and passionate they are and it’s been unbelievable to witness that in person in the last couple of games. It’s certainly the loudest I’ve been involved in and to have that support’s been motivating for the whole group,” said The RCB Allrounder and legendary Kiwi cricketer Sophie Devine.
As per the recent ‘Indian Cricket Fandom Report 2024’ by YouGov, RCB enjoys consistent support across all age groups with support for the team notably being the strongest among Gen Z (18-24 years) at 38 per cent. The team enjoys 34 per cent support in the 25-34 age group, 31 per cent in the 35-44 age group, 33 per cent in the 45-54 age group, and 31 per cent in the 55+ age group.
The overwhelming support from the tribe has added a new dimension to the WPL experience, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and encouragement for not just women cricketers but also is a huge boost and encouragement for the RCB team every time they step into the centre.
Sophie further added, “I think back to the start of my career and we were playing in front of ten people, do you know what I mean? And to have, I think, more than 25,000 here, just shows where the woman’s game gone. So proud to be a part of that.”
Such unprecedented turnout in women’s cricket also reflects the immense impact of RCB’s passionate yet conscious fanbase promoting inclusivity and equality.
Renuka Singh who had the crowd cheering every time she went with her fiery bowling spell said “it is an amazing feeling and gives a different level of momentum to all of us. I just love when they not only chant our name but show so much loyalty for RCB by coming to every game in such huge numbers, it just pumps us up during our game like anything.”
Mumbai: ITC Sunfeast Baked Creations has announced its partnership with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as the official gourmet food partner for the Women’s T20 League 2024. This association isn’t just about cricket; it’s about creating a fusion of indulgence and excitement that will have fans cheering for more. Both brands have come together to celebrate the resilience and determination of women in sports.
In a delightful twist of fate, both RCB and Sunfeast Baked Creations proudly sport the colour red as their signature hue, making this partnership a perfect blend of synergy and style. Sunfeast Baked Creations houses a delectable range of gourmet croissants, bagels and baked treats. This partnership will see the brand integrate seamlessly into the T20 sports ecosystem, offering the widest variety of heavenly croissants and pull-apart bagels during the tournament. With its delectable offerings, the brand guarantees to provide every cricket lover an experience of gourmet perfection.
ITC Ltd business head Rohit Bhalla expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are incredibly proud to be associated with RCB. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a celebration of the power of sports coming together with exceptional taste. At Sunfeast Baked Creations, we’re all about championing women’s success and providing them with the support they need to conquer the world – one delicious treat at a time. Through this partnership, we aim to provide players and fans with a truly delightful experience.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore VP & head Rajesh Menon said, “We are delighted to welcome Sunfeast Baked Creations as our Official Gourmet Food Partner for this season. This partnership is a perfect synergy between two brands that share a passion for curated experiences and a commitment to creating memorable moments.”
With its delectable offerings and commitment to quality, Sunfeast Baked Creations promises to be a delicious win for cricket fans, players and the sport itself.
Mumbai: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made strategic acquisitions to successfully achieve optimal team balance at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 player auction in Dubai on Tuesday.
As RCB executed well-thought-out six bids to shape a strong squad for the upcoming season, skipper Faf du Plessis highlighted that it was a busy time for him and the think tank as they invested a lot of time in developing a comprehensive plan which helped to enter the auction with much more clarity. He said the team’s focus was to pick the players who will perform well at home.
With a strong nucleus already present in the top order with players like Du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Rajat Patidar, and having acquired services of all-rounder Cameron Green, who adds excellent depth to the batting, RCB’s focussed approach in the auction saw them securing more strength in the bowling department.
West Indian aggressive paceman Alzarri Joseph (Rs 11.50 Cr) became the first buy for RCB at the auction. The 27-year-old holds the record for the best-ever bowling figures in the IPL of 6-12 and can be a quality option in death overs. They further added more speed to their attack by picking up New Zealand’s fast bowler Lockie Ferguson (Rs 2 Cr) and England’s Tom Curran (Rs 1.50 Cr).
RCB also added Indian left-arm pacer Yash Dayal (Rs 5 Cr) and spin all-rounder Swapnil Singh (Rs 20 lacs) to ensure variation in the bowling attack. They bought talented young wicketkeeper Saurav Chauhan (Rs 20 lacs) from Gujarat to complete a 25-member squad. Chauhan made the headlines in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy when he smashed 18-ball 61.
Talking about the auction and the selection of players, RCB chairman Prathmesh Mishra said: “RCB is committed to playing a fearless brand of cricket which ranks us among the top global franchises. With the expertise of Mo Bobat and Andy Flower, we aim to foster a bold and dynamic performance culture in the team. The strategic purchases at the auction reflect their meticulous planning and approach. With the strong batting line-up already present, we have now balanced our team with the addition of all-rounders and great bowling options to add fire to the pace unit. Overall, we’ve successfully built a formidable team poised to bring glory in the upcoming season.”
“After the last season, we felt like we needed to improve at home. One of the things that we did really well was to succeed away from Chinnaswamy. So, we went away and put our heads together and what that look like to be better at home and how can we get better, in what ways can we improve? It’s definitely the auction and the process of the last two months has been solely around planning to be better at home and the type of bowlers and batsmen that will be successful at home,” commented Du Plessis.
“We spent a lot of time talking about RCB and where we wanted to take the franchise. I think it’s always really important that you do your homework and make sure you look at every area and talk it through. And I feel like our relation, the three of us [head coach Andy Flower and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat], obviously with the help of a lot of the team, Freddie [Wilde] the analyst and [Adam] Griffith the bowling coach, Malolan Rangarajan, (Head of Scouting) and even Rajesh V Menon (VP and Head of RCB), I feel like we are very well-connected leadership group,” he added.
Head coach Flower is confident about the bowling attack and hopes they play an important role and also said they have a dangerous batting line-up.
“It’s really a strong top four with Virat [Kohli] and Faf [du Plessis], [Rajat] Patidar and [Glenn] Maxwell. Cameron Green who gives us that power somewhere in that top five. We haven’t decided exactly where he’s going to bat yet, but he gives us that power option somewhere in the top five that is going to be very dangerous. Mohammed Siraj will lead the attack and him being fit and firing is going to be very important. We’ve got some skilful young Indian bowlers there who are going to be growing with us through the season and hopefully playing a really important part for us,” the head coach commented.
RCB Full Squad for IPL 2024:
Retained Players: Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar (from SRH), Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green (from MI).
