Analyzing whether RCB's replacement signings in IPL 2025 should be retained ft. Mayank Agarwal

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are on the back of their best-ever campaign in Indian Premier League (IPL) history. RCB managed to go all the way for the first time in their history, and most of their players had integral parts to play in their magical season.

As the postponement of the IPL affected most of the other franchises, Bengaluru ensured that most of their star overseas players returned for the business end of the tournament. Injuries to Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David threatened to disrupt their campaign, while England's international assignments threw a spanner in the works as well. But RCB managed to overcome those challenges, clinching the title in special fashion.

Ahead of the retention deadline, the Royal Challengers have only one decision to make. Their two temporary replacements won't be available for retention, but there is a chance that those players could be targeted at the IPL 2026 auction.

RCB's squad for IPL 2025: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Manoj Bhandage, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chikara, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Mohit Rathee, Suyash Sharma, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Tim Seifert (tr), Blessing Muzarabani (tr), Mayank Agarwal (r).

On that note, we take a look at what RCB should do with their replacement signings.

Verdict - Retain Mayank, ignore Seifert and Muzarabani at the auction

2025 IPL - Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Source: Getty

Mayank Agarwal came in as a replacement for Devdutt Padikkal and made a few valuable contributions to RCB. Although it wouldn't have been easy for the veteran right-hander to immediate enter the IPL cauldron, he didn't show much rustiness and ensured that the team didn't miss Padikkal all that much.

Whether RCB will retain him in the first-choice playing XI is uncertain, but Mayank should probably be rewarded for his contributions with a retention. The top-order batter seemed to be in decent nick, and his experience could be crucial to a team without too many batting backups on the bench.

Meanwhile, Tim Seifert and Blessing Muzarabani were signed as temporary replacements by the Royal Challengers. The think tank might be keen on snapping them up at the auction, but that might not be a wise idea.

RCB have an extremely strong overseas contingent. Liam Livingstone is probably the only player who could be released, and even he is a solid option given his all-round ability and close relationship with the coaches.

Seifert has done well in the shortest format and is one of the most underrated cricketers in the world, but there simply might not be any room for him in the squad. Muzarabani, on the other hand, will remain behind Lungi Ngidi and Nuwan Thushara in the pecking order.

Edited by Sai Krishna