Trophy or not, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have remained one of the most talked-about franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception. Now in their 18th season, the elusive IPL title continues to evade them. While many fans are hopeful that this could finally be the year for Jersey No. 18, Virat Kohli, it's still early days in the tournament.
Alongside their title drought, another recurring topic of conversation around RCB is their history of releasing or letting go of key players. In IPL 2025, that trend continues, with several former RCB players delivering standout performances for their new teams. Let's take a look at a few of them.
One of the biggest surprises ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction was RCB's decision to release the fast bowler. The pacer had spent seven seasons with the franchise, evolving from a promising rookie to their pace spearhead. Now representing Gujarat Titans (GT), Siraj made a statement when he returned to Chinnaswamy to face his former side. With a stellar spell of 3/19 in 4 overs, he showed fans that he has reinvented himself and is far from done.
The Aussie all-rounder was traded to RCB from Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the 2019 season. He played 10 games that year and impressed in a few finishes. However, he was released through the trading window later that year. Picked up by Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2020, he later moved to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and is now back with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025. So far, he has scored 21 runs in 3 matches and is yet to make a mark with the ball, although PBKS have won 2 of their 3 games.
RCB released the tall all-rounder ahead of the 2021 auction. After a short stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR), he was picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2022 mega auction. Since then, Dube has delivered some powerful knocks for the yellow army. In IPL 2025, he has scored 64 runs across four matches, although he's mostly been used as an Impact Player and hasn't bowled yet this season.
The wicketkeeper-batter returned to RCB in 2016 after his debut season in 2013 but missed the 2017 edition due to a shoulder injury. Surprisingly, he wasn't retained for the 2018 season. Rahul went under the hammer and went on to play for PBKS, LSG, and currently Delhi Capitals (DC). In IPL 2025, he has already scored 92 runs in two matches (after missing one for the birth of his daughter), helping DC maintain a perfect 3-0 record. He is set to face RCB on April 10.?
RCB acquired the spinner in the 2014 auction, and he quickly became a key figure in their bowling attack. His best season came in 2015 when he took 23 wickets in 15 games. Despite his consistency, RCB surprised fans by not retaining him for the 2022 season. Rajasthan Royals (RR) picked him in the 2022 mega auction, and in IPL 2025, he's now with PBKS. While he has taken just one wicket in three games so far, fans know it's only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm again.
After a four-season run with RCB, he was released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Now representing Punjab Kings (PBKS), he has made a steady start¡ªscoring 30 runs and picking up 2 wickets across 3 matches. His all-round potential continues to show promise with his new team.?
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