Royal Challengers Bangalore ended third in the IPL 2022, sixth in 2023, and fourth in the latest edition (IPL 2024). There have been decent performances, but still, massive changes are required if they want to clinch the title in the next edition. Over-reliance of the team batters is still on the top four, which Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell are part of. However, to win the tournament, you need a balanced team, which RCB lacks. This continues to be the reason they have been missing not getting closer to the trophy. Before IPL 2024, these are the players RCB might release. In IPL 2024, RCB lost seven in the first eight league games. They came back to win their last six league games and qualify for the playoffs. However, such a terrible start cannot be discounted. What they did in the first place did not bear fruits. They were successful in the end when they changed their style of play. These 3 key players RCB might release ahead of IPL 2025 Glenn Maxwell RCB had bought Glenn Maxwell in the auction at the price of INR 11 crore. The all-rounder had performed quite decently at the start of the 2024 season, but his form began to dip after he played some matches. Returning midway in the tournament from a cricketing hiatus, Maxwell somehow could not get it right with his act, forcing an RCB rethink with his overall performance. In 2024, Maxwell could get only 52 runs in nine innings and took only six wickets. Find reasons to trouble in XI, and with niggles concerning form and injuries, RCB would not ideally retain him for another cycle. Of course, he had done well in Major League Cricket, but that is unlikely to convince RCB to keep him. Plus, Maxwell is 35, so he will be 36 before the next season. He might even retire before the next cycle ends. Hence, it would be wise for RCB to move on and blood some other younger talent. Also Read | Who is the King of Cricket? Discover the Legends (cricketgully.com) Faf du Plessis Not the most ideal of situations, but RCB probably heads in that direction for the next edition. Faf du Plessis has been in fine form, both with the bat and as captain; however, at 40 years of age, that becomes a major turning point. Terribly fit and active with no issues in health, the franchise may well not bank on him to lead the side for another three or four years. Faf spent three years in the RCB colors, scored 1,636 runs in 45 matches, and twice led his team into the playoffs. That is a notable record. He, however, might not be consistent enough for the highest level of IPL cricket anymore. RCB might look for a captaincy for the long-term guide and follow what Virat Kohli brought to them. With Kohli still being in the team, he might groom the next captain if RCB decides to move on from Faf. Mahipal Lomror Royal Challengers Bangalore supported Mahipal Lomror for the past few seasons, but he hasn’t made an impact. In the 2023 season, Lomror batted ten times, scoring only 135 runs. While his strike rate was good, he struggled with consistency. Despite this, RCB kept him in the team. In the 2024 season, Lomror played 10 matches, again showing a good strike rate but failing to turn his starts into big scores. He scored 125 runs with a top score of 33. Given his performance, it’s unlikely RCB will retain him or use an RTM card for him if available in the mega-auction. RCB might consider giving more chances to Rajat Patidar if he stays for the next season. Patidar performed well in IPL 2024 and is ahead of Lomror in the team’s plans. RCB will also look to bring in new talent to improve the team, as many of their senior players are nearing retirement. Also Read | Top 10 Players With Best Cover Drives in Cricket | The Elite Club