“If Virat is the captain, RCB will try to bring their old trump card back” – Sanjay Manjrekar on Yuzvendra Chahal heading into IPL 2025 auction

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar reckons if Virat Kohli is once again given the captaincy baton by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, then the franchise will look to bring Yuzvendra Chahal back into their team. Chahal was not retained by inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Meanwhile, Chahal picked 18 wickets in 15 matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 and he played a key role in helping his team qualify for the playoffs. But the leg-spinner was not retained by the inaugural champions. Chahal is also the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 205 wickets in 160 matches.

Before moving to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022, Chahal was an integral part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and flourished under the captaincy of Virat Kohli.

Manjrekar said on Star Sports Game Plan, “I believe it will be very difficult for RCB to get Chahal because the Rajasthan Royals will try their best to maintain the partnership of Ashwin and Chahal. If Virat is the captain, RCB will try to bring their old trump card back.”

On the other hand, the cricketer-turned-commentator believes RCB would use Right to Match for Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who wasn’t at his best in IPL 2024.

“I believe RCB will be interested because they can use Maxwell well on the pitches they play. Plus they used his bowling a lot. So I see Glenn Maxwell returning there,” he said.

Manjrekar wants RCB to back Faf du Plessis as the South African is still fit as a fiddle despite turning 37.

“He (Du Plessis) is such an experienced player who is extremely fit and he still has the power game. He has shown that with CSK and has been RCB’s captain. So, if he is available, I will always think about him for sure rather than experimenting with a young player,” Manjrekar reasoned.

The auction will take place at Jeddah on November 24 and 25 as 1574 players (1,165 Indian and 409 overseas) have registered.