Smaran Ravichandran spotted in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp ahead of IPL 2025, but no official confirmation on his signing yet—just rumors for now.
Who is Smaran Ravichandran?
Smaran Ravichandran is a 21-year-old left-handed batsman from Karnataka, known for his impressive performances in domestic cricket.
Ravichandran Smaran made his domestic debut for Karnataka in October 2024 during a Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh. He gained recognition in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scoring 170 runs in six matches, including a half-century.
In the 2024/25 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he amassed 433 runs in 10 matches, including two fifties and two centuries. His match-winning century in the final played a crucial role in Karnataka lifting the trophy.
Smaran’s most remarkable performance came in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Punjab in January, where he scored a double century, leading Karnataka to an innings victory. He was awarded Player of the Match for his stellar knock. He continued his form with another unbeaten century (133*) against Haryana in a Ranji Trophy group-stage match.
How did RCB sign Smaran Ravichandran for IPL 2025?
Smaran Ravichandran went unsold in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction with a base price of ₹30 lakh. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) currently has 22 players in their squad, with IPL rules allowing a maximum of 25. With three slots still open, Smaran’s inclusion is expected at the RCB Unbox event on March 17 or as a mid-season replacement if any player gets injured. His signing would be a big boost for RCB, as they need a left-handed batter at the top.
The rumors of Smaran Ravichandran possibly replacing Manoj Bhandage emerged after initial reports suggested that Bhandage might miss the first half of IPL 2025 due to an injury. However, after rehabilitation, Manoj Bhandage is now fully fit and has joined the RCB camp. Bhandage was acquired by RCB at a base price of INR 30 lakhs.
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