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The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) may not have secured an IPL title in their 18-year journey, but they have always managed to stay in the spotlight, thanks to their aggressive approach at the auction table. With a loyal fan base backing them every season, RCB has been known for making some bold and expensive buys over the years. Despite these high-profile signings, their performances have often been inconsistent, resulting in the elusive IPL trophy slipping away.
As we gear up for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, let’s take a look back at the three costliest purchases RCB has made in the history of the IPL auction.
3. Yuvraj Singh: INR 14 Crore (2014)
Price: INR 14 Crore
Year: 2014
Source: [@RCBTweets/X.com]
In the 2014 IPL auction, RCB made headlines by signing India’s iconic all-rounder Yuvraj Singh for a whopping INR 14 Crore. This was Yuvraj’s comeback season after battling cancer, and there was a bidding war, especially with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) showing strong interest. However, RCB was relentless, ultimately securing Yuvraj as the most expensive player of that year’s auction.
Yuvraj delivered a decent performance, scoring 376 runs in the season, including three half-centuries. However, his fielding limitations and advancing age led RCB to release him after just one season. Although Yuvraj had his moments, his hefty price tag meant that his acquisition was considered a disappointment in the long run.
Also Read: 13-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest Entry in IPL Auction History
2. Glenn Maxwell: INR 14.25 Crore (2021)
Price: INR 14.25 Crore
Year: 2021
Source: [@RcbianOfficial]
In the IPL 2021 auction, RCB once again showcased their aggressive auction strategy by splurging on Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. With teams like Delhi Capitals (DC), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) also vying for him, Maxwell was a hot commodity. However, RCB outbid everyone to secure his services for a staggering INR 14.25 Crore.
Maxwell proved his worth in his debut season for RCB, scoring 513 runs in 15 matches and playing a pivotal role in their journey to the playoffs. His explosive batting and handy off-spin ensured he stayed with the franchise for several seasons, making him one of RCB’s more successful big-money buys.
Also Read: Anshul Kamboj Emulates Anil Kumble; Takes All 10 Wickets in an Innings
1. Kyle Jamieson: INR 15 Crore (2021)
Price: INR 15 Crore
Year: 2021
Source: [@IPL/X.com]
In the same 2021 auction, RCB took a gamble by signing New Zealand’s towering pacer Kyle Jamieson for a massive INR 15 Crore, making him their most expensive acquisition to date. Jamieson had just made a name for himself in international cricket, and RCB placed a significant amount of faith in his potential.
Unfortunately, the gamble didn’t pay off as expected. Jamieson’s performance fell short of expectations, with the all-rounder managing only 65 runs and picking up 9 wickets in 9 matches. RCB released him ahead of the next season, making this one of the most costly missteps in their auction history.
RCB’s Auction Approach: Lessons for the Future
As RCB gears up for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, they find themselves once again in the process of rebuilding their squad. With a history of high-profile, high-risk buys, the franchise will likely aim to be more strategic this time around, focusing on a balanced squad composition rather than marquee signings.
While the excitement of landing big names has often been a hallmark of RCB’s auction strategy, the franchise and its fans will be hoping that this time, their investments will lead to that elusive IPL trophy.
