A moment of intrigue unfolded during Day 2 of the IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah when Akash Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians (MI), walked over to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) table to shake hands with their management following the sale of Will Jacks. The unexpected gesture raised eyebrows among cricket fans, leading to speculation about potential behind-the-scenes agreements between the two franchises.
Jacks Sold to Mumbai Indians
Will Jacks, a standout performer in the previous IPL season, was among the most anticipated names in the auction. A bidding battle between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings ended with MI securing the explosive batter for ₹5.25 crore. Surprisingly, RCB chose not to exercise their Right to Match (RTM) card for Jacks, despite his stellar performances for them last season.
Jacks, known for his aggressive batting, scored 230 runs in just eight matches during his debut season at a phenomenal strike rate of 175. He also smashed a century, playing a key role in RCB’s dramatic playoff qualification run. His addition to MI is expected to fill their opening spot alongside Rohit Sharma, bolstering their batting lineup with his explosive start at the top of the order.
Ambani’s Gesture Raises Questions
The auction turned controversial when Akash Ambani left the MI table to shake hands with the RCB management after Jacks was sold. This move sparked speculation on social media, with fans questioning whether there was an agreement between the franchises that influenced RCB’s decision to keep their RTM card unused.
History of Deals Between MI and RCB
This incident isn’t the first time MI and RCB have been involved in high-profile dealings. In previous seasons, the two teams were part of a notable trade carousel that saw Hardik Pandya return to Mumbai, Cameron Green move to Bangalore, and Gujarat Titans benefit with additional cap space. These past interactions have only fueled further speculation about the handshake during the auction.
RCB’s Strengthened Squad
Despite losing Jacks, RCB appears well-prepared for the upcoming season. Their top order features Virat Kohli opening with Phil Salt, who was instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL title win. The addition of Tim David from MI, along with first-time IPL player Jacob Bethell, further strengthens their middle order, which already includes Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone.
Jacks to Add Firepower to MI
For MI, Will Jacks is seen as the answer to their opening combination alongside Rohit Sharma. With a strong middle order of Indian talent, including Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, Jacks’ ability to provide explosive starts will be crucial in their quest for another IPL title.
As the auction drama settles, the handshake between Ambani and RCB remains a topic of debate among fans, adding another layer of intrigue to the already captivating IPL ecosystem.
