Royal Challengers Bengaluru are heading into IPL 2026 with the confidence of champions—and a squad that largely sticks to the winning formula. At the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a few targeted moves, adding depth without tearing apart a title-winning core.
The headline buy was India all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, snapped up for ₹7 crore after a bidding tussle with Kolkata Knight Riders. With this, RCB signalled intent: back the proven match-winners, plug specific gaps, and trust the group that delivered last season.
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RCB’s Auction Strategy: Small Tweaks, Big Trust
RCB entered the mini-auction with a purse of ₹16.40 crore after retaining 17 players. The franchise freed up funds by releasing Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Agarwal, Mohit Rathee and Sachin Baby.
Despite having the fourth-lowest purse—only ahead of Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals—RCB avoided panic buys. Instead, they focused on balance and versatility, especially in the all-rounder and backup bowling slots.
Venkatesh Iyer Headlines RCB Buys
Venkatesh Iyer was RCB’s first and biggest signing. The left-handed batter has 1,468 IPL runs in 62 matches and brings flexibility at the top and middle order, along with seam-bowling options.
RCB also added:
- Mangesh Yadav (₹5.20 crore) to bolster the Indian pace bench
- Jacob Duffy for overseas fast-bowling depth
- Jordan Cox as a backup wicketkeeper-batter
The rest of the buys were budget-friendly, aimed at building a long-term Indian core.
Fast Bowling Depth: The Only Question Mark?
While the squad looks settled, fast bowling depth could be an area of concern. Josh Hazlewood’s injury and workload management will need careful handling, while Yash Dayal hasn’t featured in competitive cricket since last season.
Still, with experienced names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and smart overseas options, RCB believe they have enough cover to manage a long tournament.
RCB Players Signed at IPL 2026 Mini-Auction
- Venkatesh Iyer (India) – ₹7 crore
- Mangesh Yadav (India) – ₹5.20 crore
- Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) – ₹2 crore
- Jordan Cox (England) – ₹75 lakh
- Satwik Deswal (India) – ₹30 lakh
- Vihaan Malhotra (India) – ₹30 lakh
- Kanishk Chouhan (India) – ₹30 lakh
Players Retained by RCB
Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Nuwan Thushara, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Rasikh Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal.
RCB IPL 2026 Full Squad (Updated)
Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Nuwan Thushara, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Rasikh Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Satwik Deswal, Jordan Cox, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan.
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What Lies Ahead for the Defending Champions?
Defending an IPL title is often tougher than winning one. RCB know that well. But with Virat Kohli anchoring the batting, Rajat Patidar leading confidently, and a squad that blends experience with fresh energy, Bengaluru look well-placed to make another deep run in the Indian Premier League 2026.
Whether this careful, no-drama auction approach pays off again will unfold once the season begins—but on paper, RCB have done enough to stay among the favourites.
