With the IPL 2026 auction approaching, the current champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already retained 17 players. This leaves them with 8 vacant slots, including only two overseas spots. With ₹16.40 crore remaining in their purse, the franchise is expected to focus on fixing small gaps in the squad rather than making big changes.
নিলামে চ্যাম্পিয়ন আরসিবির লক্ষ্য এই ৮ নতুন মুখ!
RCB’s first task will be to find a replacement for Lungi Ngidi. There will be various options available—new-ball bowlers as well as death-over specialists.
While Sri Lankan yorker specialist Matheesha Pathirana may be expensive, other alternatives such as Reece Topley, Matt Henry, Gerald Coetzee, and Spencer Johnson are likely to be on RCB’s radar.
Possible Overseas Pace Targets
Matheesha Pathirana
Gerald Coetzee
Anrich Nortje
Reece Topley
Spencer Johnson
Matt Henry
If RCB manage to grab any of these pacers at a reasonable price, their bowling backup will be significantly strengthened.
Kohli–Faf Want a Stronger Allrounder Unit
RCB have already released Liam Livingstone. Though there’s still a chance to buy him back, cheaper alternatives like Moeen Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Aaron Hardie may also be available in the auction.
With two overseas slots open, the team must choose wisely.
Among Indian allrounders, RCB could target:
Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Atharva Taide
Mahipal Lomror
Need for a Backup Top-Order Batter
RCB’s first-choice backup top-order option was Venkatesh Iyer, but acquiring him will be tough.
Thus, the franchise is likely to look at players like:
Prithvi Shaw
Sheikh Rasheed
Wicketkeeping Department
With Tim Seifert released, RCB need a backup wicketkeeper. Since no overseas slots are free for this category, they will target Indians.
Possible options:
Luvnith Sisodia
Bansh Bedi
Most Popular Indian Bowling Targets
Among Indian pacers, the most sought-after names are expected to be:
Simarjeet Singh
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Chetan Sakariya
Akash Madhwal
Among spinners:
Rahul Chahar
Karn Sharma
Kumar Kartikeya
RCB might be able to sign a few of them without breaking the bank.
RCB’s Probable 8 Targets for IPL 2026 Auction
Overseas Fast Bowlers
Reece Topley
Matt Henry
Gerald Coetzee
Overseas Allrounders
Wanindu Hasaranga
Moeen Ali
Indian Allrounders / Bowlers
Mahipal Lomror (Indian spin allrounder)
Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Indian pace allrounder)
Simarjeet Singh (Indian fast bowler)
Rahul Chahar (Indian leg-spinner)
Batting & Wicketkeeping
Prithvi Shaw (Top-order batter)
Luvnith Sisodia (Indian wicketkeeper)
The core of the champion squad is already set so RCB will prioritize picking the right “squad players” rather than big superstars.
How the Patidar–Kohli-led unit uses their ₹16.40 crore purse will be interesting to watch.