IPL 2025: Who Will Be Virat Kohli's New Partner? Two Names in the Running

The new season, where Virat Kohli will look for a likely opening partner. In the context of the much-awaited IPL 2025 Mega Auction, RCB is expected to target some key players, especially a perfect opener to form a long-overdue stronghold with Virat Kohli for the new season.

By Palak Pathak Updated: Nov 13, 2024, 19:55 IST

As the stage is now set for the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore is gearing up for building a refreshed squad, especially looking for a new opening partner for Virat Kohli. In light of the exit of their previous skipper and regular opener Faf du Plessis, who is released by the franchise, the RCB enthusiasts are eager to know who is going to accompany Kohli at the crease this season.

IPL 2025: RCB Seeks New Opening Partner for Kohli

It has been for the last couple of seasons that Kohli and Du Plessis were considered a perfect pair to open for RCB, but the exit of the latter has shifted the market to his replacements. Two of the probable players have surfaced as strong contenders for replacing Du Plessis.

1. Devon Conway
New Zealand's left-handed opener Devon Conway, who has blown up with explosive batting, is likely to be the target of RCB in the next auctions as he was recently let go by Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Conway has been used as a top-order batsman in his last two IPL seasons with CSK and can be bought for a base price of ₹2 crore during the upcoming auctions. It may help bring some stability and provide aggressive scoring from the very start when Kohli is accompanied on the left hand and right hand.

Conway's skillset in Indian conditions and also his adaptability are exciting for RCB fans.

2. KL Rahul

A candidate that could very well fit the bill is KL Rahul. Here, Rahul has both opening experience as well as some wicketkeeper experience. Rahul is known to the franchise, having previously played for RCB. He could make a fit into the line-up, since Rahul has enormous IPL experience as an opener-most recently with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings. Since he was recently released by LSG, Rahul comes in available in the auction. Rahul has been playing constantly, and it becomes clear why he knows the dynamics of the IPL. For RCB, he would join hands not only with Kohli at the top but also fill the wicket-keeping role, giving the team much flexibility with their line-up.
RCB's Retention List
Notably, the franchise retained just three players before the auction-Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal-and thus a lot could be expected in terms of changes for the upcoming 2025 season. It has gone ahead to release some key players like Mohammad Siraj, Will Jacks, and Faf du Plessis, which means the shackles are open for RCB to make big moves in the auction and form a fresh lineup with these core players.

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IPL 2025 Mega Auction IPL 2025 Mega Auction allows RCB the chance to revamp their side by making it stronger for all three positions in the batting line-up in the first three. Whether they decide on Conway's explosive hitting or Rahul's experience and two-in-one capacity, the new opening combination of RCB promises a bang for those interested in the game and a healthy start for the side.