IPL auction introduces new retention rules and RTM changes affecting bidding strategies

The IPL auction introduced modified retention rules that changed bidding strategies and player prices. Teams can now retain more players, but at a higher cost, and the Right To Match (RTM) cards have been adjusted, allowing for unlimited use under new conditions. These changes affected how teams bid for players. For example, Lucknow Super Giants successfully increased their bid for Rishabh Pant, which would not have been possible under the old RTM rules. Some teams embraced the new system, while others preferred the previous format. The auction also saw discussions about the effectiveness of the RTM in determining player prices. While some teams expressed concerns about inflated prices, others found success with the new rules. Additionally, Virat Kohli is a strong candidate to captain Royal Challengers Bengaluru again, as the franchise did not pursue other prominent captaincy options.