Bengaluru (Karnataka), November 25 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a statement at the IPL 2025 mega auction, securing England opener Phil Salt for a whopping Rs 11.5 crore and Indian wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma. The team cited Salt’s explosiveness in the powerplay and Jitesh’s middle-order firepower as key factors behind their acquisitions.
RCB outbid fierce competition from Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to sign Phil Salt. The bidding war, which began at Rs 2 crore, escalated rapidly past Rs 10 crore before RCB sealed the deal at Rs 11.5 crore.
Speaking on Salt’s signing, RCB’s Dinesh Karthik expressed enthusiasm for the dynamic opener.
“Phil Salt, what have I got to say? He is explosive. He is someone who can take on in the power play. Great attitude. Nice guy to have around in the team. Everything about him says he is the kind of guy that RCB would love to have,” Karthik said in a statement.
Salt’s Career Highlights:
RCB also snapped up Jitesh Sharma, a proven IPL performer and fringe player for the Indian national team. Karthik highlighted Jitesh’s suitability for RCB’s playing conditions.
“He is a very explosive middle-order batsman. We wanted someone who is on the fringes of the Indian team and he is right there. We have seen what he can do in the IPL. Has got areas that he can hit and RCB being a ground where you can play spin well, he comes as a very, very good option,” Karthik said.
Jitesh’s Career Highlights:
RCB now faces a choice between Salt and Jitesh for the wicketkeeping role. Karthik explained that the decision will be made closer to the tournament.
“It is a discussion that we need to have and see who is the better fielder, who is the better wicketkeeper, and accordingly figure out what is the right option,” Karthik said.
The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah from November 24-25, has shortlisted 574 players from an initial pool of 1,574 names. This includes 208 overseas players, 12 uncapped overseas talents, and 318 uncapped Indian players, making it one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing calendar.
Six lives lost as a truck jumps divider, raising questions on road conditions and the…
Dense fog blamed for the tragedy that claimed the lives of two pilots, a doctor,…
Longtime Bond producer clashes with Amazon executives over creative control and the character's modern portrayal.…
The Bridgerton Star Shares Playful Photos, Opens Up About Her Love for Reality TV’s 'Perfect…
MLC Venkat Balmoor demands accountability and empathy from Allu Arjun following the tragic incident at…
The Oscar-Winning Actress Discusses the Challenges, Legacy, and Historical Significance Behind Her Eight-Year Journey to…