Royal Challengers Bangalore have retained three players—Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal—ahead of the IPL mega auction. Kohli, who has been integral to RCB, is slated to captain the side next year. The Bengaluru-based franchise has never won the title but has gone close by finishing runners-up thrice, including once under Kohli's captaincy.Kohli's retention was a no-brainer for the franchise considering his stellar record in the IPL. He has scored 8004 runs from 252 matches at an average of 38.67, a strike rate of 131.97 with eight centuries and 55 fifties in his resume. He is the leading run-scorer in IPL history ahead of Shikhar Dhawan (6769 runs) and Rohit Sharma (6628 runs).ALSO READ: From Rishabh Pant to R Ashwin; 10 players CSK may chase for their best playing XIDuring the 2024 season, Kohli scored 741 runs from 15 matches at an average of 61.75, strike rate of 154.70, as he struck one century and five fifties. It resulted in him clinching the Orange Cap, accolade for the leading run scorer in the tournament, ahead of Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (583 runs).ALSO READ: IPL 2025 auction: 10 players MI may chase for their best playing XIAdditionally, Kohli will lead the RCB in IPL 2025 with the franchise not retaining the 40-year-old Faf du Plessis. The former South Africa batter had been the captain of the team since Kohli stepped down after the 2021 edition.RCB is now left with Rs 83 crore and three Right-To-Match cards, which it can use on both capped and uncapped players.ALSO READ: From Shreyas Iyer to Bhuvneshwar Kumar; 10 players DC may targetHere are the key players that RCB is likely to go after in the IPL auction 2025:Rachin Ravindra: The star of New Zealand's historic Test series win in October-November, might be high on RCB’s priority list of players whom they are looking to buy in the upcoming auction. He has a strong record at the Chinnaswamy and can provide balance, whether batting in the middle order or at the top.Yuzvendra Chahal: RCB is in urgent need of a top-quality spinner to spearhead their attack, and Chahal could once step into that role for the team. The 34-year-old is RCB's all-time leading wicket-taker in the IPL, with 139 wickets from 113 matches. He also boasts an exceptional record at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, having taken 52 wickets in 42 games at a remarkable economy rate of 7.72.KL Rahul: According to reports, RCB is set to target KL Rahul, who made his IPL debut with the franchise. RCB is seeking a reliable opening partner for Virat Kohli, someone who can step into Faf du Plessis's shoes, and KL Rahul fits the criteria. During the IPL 2024 season, Rahul played 14 matches for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), scoring 520 runs at an average of 37.14. However, his strike rate of 136.13 drew criticism from some, who argued that it negatively impacted the team's results.Mohammed Shami: If RCB fails to re-sign Siraj, then Shami will be on their radar. Shami's vast experience, spanning over a decade in international cricket, is one of his greatest strengths. Known for his ability to perform under pressure, his pace and swing make him a key asset in the powerplay and death overs—an area where RCB has struggled. With 127 wickets in 110 IPL matches, Shami's standout season was in 2023, where he took 28 wickets in 17 games, demonstrating his value to any team he plays for.Will Jacks: Will Jacks played a key role in RCB's dramatic turnaround during IPL 2024. Additionally, the franchise has a preference for top-order batters who can also contribute with the ball. Given his proven value to the team, Jacks could make a return to RCB in the upcoming season.Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar's ability to make valuable contributions with both bat and ball will make him a strong asset for RCB. Having previously played for the franchise, they may consider bringing him back to strengthen their squad.Mitchell Starc: Starc played a pivotal role in KKR's title victory last year, boosting his value for the upcoming auction. Additionally, his contribution to RCB's memorable 2016 campaign will likely motivate the franchise to pursue him once again.Bhuvneshwar Kumar: If RCB manages to get Bhuvi, one of the finest swing bowlers in IPL history, he will bring a wealth of experience to the team. Bhuvneshwar, known for his accurate yorkers and deceptive knuckleballs, has been a reliable performer for more than a decade. Although his form dipped last season, with 11 wickets in 16 matches, his knack for delivering in high-pressure situations makes him a valuable asset to any team.Glenn Phillips: New Zealand's Glenn Phillips was released by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the mega IPL auction. He could be a good alternative to Glenn Maxwell who was not retained by RCB this season. The 27-year-old has featured in just 8 IPL matches with SRH and RR, scoring 65 runs and taking 2 wickets. However, he has developed significantly as a cricketer, now capable of batting, bowling, fielding, and keeping wickets. Phillips is often underrated for his knack for hitting big shots and bowling when needed.Jos Buttler: RCB is keen on acquiring Buttler due to his dual role as a top-order batsman and wicketkeeper. With Dinesh Karthik's influence waning, the team requires a dependable wicketkeeper who can also make substantial contributions with the bat. Buttler's impressive record in both roles makes him an ideal replacement—and an upgrade. His ability to either stabilize innings or accelerate when needed offers RCB valuable versatility, a key asset in the dynamic environment of the IPL where adaptability is crucial.