Venkatesh Prasad, former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Head coach and India Pacer has criticized the franchise for lack of efforts to nurture local talents in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite being one of the most famous teams, RCB has always trusted Indian and foreign star players, not really focusing on bringing domestic players out like some of its rivals.
Over time, teams like Mumbai Indians (Mi) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have successfully prepared domestic players, making them long -term prizes. Nevertheless, RCB has introduced a uniform effective model so far. While they have greatly improved their scouting processes, they are not able to explicitly search for Karnataka-based talents that can have a permanent effect.
The Karnataka Premier League (KPL) was estimated at the location from where RCB would recognize and mold local cricketers. While he has signed some Karnataka players through auction, no one has got opportunity or long rope. Prasad has expressed concern over the priorities of the franchise, suggesting that they are focusing more on the brand price than winning the IPL.
“How a team is managed, all makes a difference. Other teams believe in local talents, so why is RCB not doing this? Is they building a brand, or are they really focusing on winning IPL? They need to get the best from their players, which has not yet,” Prasad said on Jio Hotstar.
Also read: Full list of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Squad and player for IPL 2025
Currently, local players of RCB include Devdutt Padikkal and Manoj Bhandez. Padikkal, once the first option of RCB, was released after the opener, the 2021 season, but returned after the stent with Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Since 2023, the squad’s share was part of the squad in the 2025 mega auction, but yet it is yet to make his IPL debut.
As RCB enters a new era, he has taken a bold step by appointing the silver Patidar as captain, replacing Faf du Plessis, which he lets go. Meanwhile, his IPL 2025 campaign begins against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), defending champion at Eden Gardens on 22 March.
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