IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Why Did Akash Ambani Meet RCB Management?
During the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians, surprised everyone by meeting the RCB management. What led to this unexpected meeting? Find out!
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction threw up numerous shocks, but the one which has sent shockwaves is the decision of Royal Challengers Bangalore not to invoke its Right to Match (RTM) card for young English all-rounder Will Jacks. That allowed Mumbai Indians to poach him for a modest ₹5.25 crore; fans and cricket experts can't still believe it.
Will Jacks’ Impressive IPL 2024 Performance
Will Jacks was one of RCB’s standout performers in IPL 2024. In just 8 matches, he scored over 230 runs and contributed with the ball when needed, playing a pivotal role in several RCB victories. Given his impactful performances, fans and analysts expected RCB to retain him at all costs during the auction.
RCB’s Controversial Decision
As was shocking, the RCB released Will Jacks before the mega auction, and ironically, they did not seem keen on using the RTM card to bring him back. The RTM card is something that enables a team to restore a previously released player by the highest amount of the highest bid during the auction. Fans were quite vocal and critical of the management at RCB for this decision. Fans insisted that letting the individual go, like Jacks who was playing superbly, was misplaced.
Mumbai Indians Seize the Opportunity
Mumbai Indians seized the opportunity, bidding ₹5.25 crore to secure Jacks for their squad. After the acquisition, MI owner Akash Ambani humorously thanked RCB management for not retaining Jacks, a move that further highlighted RCB’s questionable auction strategy. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment with RCB, with many calling it a managerial blunder.
Jacks’ Importance for MI
Will Jacks is a valuable addition to Mumbai Indians. With his aggressive batting and his ability to do things, he is likely to strengthen the MI middle order. Rohit Sharma's captaincy will perhaps elevate the game of Jacks to an even greater level of importance for MI in the next season.
RCB's decision has also raised many questions but given to Mumbai Indians a player who could be a game-changer in IPL 2025.