IPL 2018 Retentions: Players for whom Right-to-Match (RTM) cards should be used

#5 Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Players retained - Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Sarfaraz Khan

Maximum players retainable via RTM - Two

Capped Indian players retainable via RTM - Two

Uncapped Indian players retainable via RTM - One

Overseas players retainable via RTM - One

RCB retaining Sarfaraz Khan is a smart move

Perhaps the most surprising decision of all was RCB retaining the 20-year old Sarfaraz Khan. Having a squad full of star international players, RCB's decision was an unexpected one but it can prove to be a game-changer in the auction. Following are a few names which RCB may like to retain -

Yuzvendra Chahal - The astute chess champion is one of Virat Kohli's trump cards in difficult situations. Chahal was expected to be retained in the pre-auction. In a bid to save a bit of money the RCB has taken a bit of risk. Retaining Chahal using RTM may end being rather expensive.

Chris Gayle - RCB's poster boy, the flamboyant West Indian is known for rattling the opposition with is power hitting. Gayle is a true match-winner and the RCB would love to retain him using the one RTM for overseas players available to them.

Travis Head - The Australian Big Bash League star is a great timer of the ball and has sound technique as well. Head plays as per the situation demands. Although he did not have great IPL last year, scoring just 151 runs from 7 matches, RCB still might retain him if the price is right and if they fail to retain Chris Gayle.