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'Virat Kohli First, Cam Green Second': Aakash Chopra's Picks For RCB's IPL 2025 Retentions

Aakash Chopra backs Kohli and Green as RCB's top picks [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]Aakash Chopra backs Kohli and Green as RCB's top picks [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are known for their loyal fan base and iconic players, but as the IPL 2025 auction looms, the franchise must decide who to retain as the foundation of their squad. Former Indian cricketer and expert, Aakash Chopra has weighed in on this debate, firmly believing that RCB should prioritize retaining their legendary player Virat Kohli, and Australian all-rounder, Cameron Green.

Virat Kohli's Unbreakable Bond with RCB

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Chopra elaborated on why these two players should be RCB's first two retentions, highlighting Kohli’s unparalleled value to the franchise and Green’s potential as a game-changer.

Aakash Chopra left no room for doubt about who should be RCB's first retention: Virat Kohli. As the former Indian opener passionately noted, Kohli and RCB are inseparable, stating,

“Without a shadow of doubt, the first retention for 18 crores has to be Virat Kohli. Just like MSD and CSK are synonyms, RCB is equal to Kohli, it's the same.”

Kohli has been the face of the franchise, weathering both highs and lows, making it unthinkable for the team to move forward without him.

Chopra further highlighted Kohli’s undying loyalty, noting that the Indian maestro has never switched franchises. For RCB, retaining their talisman for ₹18 crores is a no-brainer.

Cameron Green A Valuable Asset with Bat and Ball

While Kohli's retention is a given, Chopra’s second choice, Cameron Green, brings a different dynamic to RCB. The Australian all-rounder was traded in from the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of the IPL 2024 auction, and his contributions helped RCB recover from a rocky start to secure a playoff berth.

Chopra expressed high hopes for Green, stating,

“For the second retention, my personal vote would have been for Cameron Green. The ground you have and the type of skills he has, I will start making him open, and he will give me overs as well. He has a fantastic future ahead of him and he is a gun player.”

Chopra’s reasoning is clear—Green's versatility with both bat and ball makes him a vital cog in RCB’s setup. In the IPL 2024 season, Green amassed 255 runs at a solid strike rate of 143.25 in 12 innings, while also claiming 10 wickets.

His ability to influence games with his all-round skills can turn the tide for RCB in critical matches, making him a potential match-winner.

The Injury Cloud Over Green's Retention

However, no decision is without its challenges, and Chopra acknowledged the elephant in the room—Green's injury concerns. The Australian has been nursing a back issue, which raises questions about his availability for key tournaments, including the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Chopra admitted:

"There is an injury concern. There is an ongoing back issue and there is a question whether he will be able to play the Border-Gavaskar Trophy also or not. So that becomes a bit of an issue, or else Cameron Green would be my second choice.”

Despite these concerns, Chopra remains confident in Green’s value, suggesting that RCB should retain him for ₹14 crores. He believes that Green, if fully fit, has the ability to win RCB at least three games single-handedly.