Former Indian bowler and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Venkatesh Prasad has blasted the team for failing to develop local talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Even though they are one of the most well-known teams, RCB has never really focused on developing their own players like some of its competitors do, instead depending on Indian and foreign elite players.
Domestic players have been successfully developed over time by clubs like the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), earning them long-term benefits. However, RCB hasn’t yet unveiled a model that works as well. Although their scouting procedures have greatly improved, it appears that they have not been able to find Karnataka-based talent capable of leaving a lasting impression.
It was expected that RCB would identify and develop local cricket players in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL). Through auctions, they have acquired a few Karnataka players, but none of them have a long rope or opportunity.
Venkatesh Prasad has expressed worries about the team’s priorities, implying that brand value is more important to them than IPL victory.
“The management style of a team has a significant impact. Why isn’t RCB investing in local talent like other teams are doing? Are they genuinely intent on winning the IPL, or are they establishing a brand? Prasad stated on Jio Hotstar, “They need to get the best out of their players, which hasn’t happened yet.”
Manoj Bhandage and Devdutt Padikkal are currently local players for RCB. After being discharged following the 2021 season, Padikkal—once the RCB’s first-choice opener—returned following stints with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Bhandage has not yet made his IPL debut despite being a member of the team since 2023 and having been re-acquired in the 2025 super auction.
In a daring decision, RCB appointed Rajat Patidar as captain to usher in a new era, replacing the departing Faf du Plessis. against March 22, they take against the reigning champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign.
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