sports24x7.in

Tag: RCB

  • IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB

    IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB

    The IPL 2026 mini-auction once again proved that in cricket, “prices are never permanent.” Venkatesh Iyer, who was a ₹23.75 crore player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, has now joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for just ₹7 crore. In other words, the Indian pinch-hitter accepted a nearly 70% pay cut to take a fresh opportunity in a new team.

    নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের
     

    Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.

    However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.

    During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.

    The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.

    There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.

    Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.

    Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.

  • IPL 2026: Champions RCB Target These 8 New Faces Ahead of Mini Auction

    IPL 2026: Champions RCB Target These 8 New Faces Ahead of Mini Auction

    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!

    Primary Target: Replacement for Lungi Ngidi

    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.

  • IPL 2026: These Star Players on RCB’s Target List for Mini-Auction!

    IPL 2026: These Star Players on RCB’s Target List for Mini-Auction!

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction (IPL 2026) with a calm and calculated strategy after back-to-back successful seasons. The defending champions have retained their core group of 17 players, including Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Rajat Patidar. Their approach isn’t to overhaul the squad but to strengthen specific departments where improvement is needed.

    নিলামের এই তারকাদের টার্গেট করছে চ্যাম্পিয়ন RCB!

     
    With English all-rounder Liam Livingstone and South African pacer Lungi Ngidi being released, RCB now have an additional ₹16.40 crore in their purse. Using this budget, the franchise aims to fill eight vacant slots, including two overseas positions.
     

    Where Does RCB Need Strengthening?

    1. Overseas Strike Pacer (Top Priority)

    Despite having Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara in their pace attack, both have limitations—Hazlewood’s workload management and Thushara’s lack of experience. This makes a world-class overseas strike pacer RCB’s biggest requirement.

    The best-suited option is Anrich Nortje (released by DC). His 145+ km/h pace and aggressive bowling make him deadly on Bengaluru’s batting-friendly pitches.
    Another strong choice is Gerald Coetzee (released by GT), who can serve as a long-term backup for Hazlewood.
    To strengthen death bowling, RCB may also consider bringing back Mustafizur Rahman.

    2. Indian Middle-Order / Finisher (Domestic Balance)

    Despite a stable top order, RCB need a strong Indian middle-order batter capable of playing spin and finishing games—especially since their overseas slots are limited.

    The premium option is Venkatesh Iyer (released by KKR). A left-handed power-hitter who can bat at No. 3 or No. 4 and contribute with part-time pace.
    A more realistic and budget-friendly option is Mahipal Lomror, whom RCB may consider bringing back. He is a left-handed batter who can also bowl useful leg-spin.
    RCB may also take a bold call by targeting Prithvi Shaw.

    3. Wicket-Taking Spin Option

    Even with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma retained, RCB lack a high-impact, wicket-taking specialist spinner—the missing link in their bowling lineup.

    The top target in this category is Ravi Bishnoi (released by LSG), known for his consistent strike ability in the middle overs.
    A reunion with Wanindu Hasaranga is also a realistic possibility.

    4. Overseas All-Rounder (Livingstone’s Replacement)

    With Liam Livingstone released, the franchise needs a versatile overseas all-rounder. The ideal option is Michael Bracewell (released by DC), who offers left-handed batting in the middle order along with economical off-spin—perfect for squad balance.

    RCB are not looking for dramatic changes; instead, they aim to sharpen their championship squad by filling specific gaps with the right players. Their strategy for the IPL 2026 mini-auction is calculated, not aggressive. Now it remains to be seen whether this structured approach helps them achieve repeated success in the upcoming season.

  • RCB Eyes These Five Players in IPL 2026 Auction!

    RCB Eyes These Five Players in IPL 2026 Auction!

    The IPL 2026 auction is set to take place overseas on December 16. According to ESPNCricinfo, 45 players have registered with a base price of ₹2 crore. Among them, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) may focus on five potential targets to strengthen their squad.

    নিলামে সম্ভাব্য এই পাঁচ ক্রিকেটারকে টার্গেট করছে RCB!

     

    1. Ravi Bishnoi

    Suyash Sharma showed inconsistency last season, taking just eight wickets in 14 matches with a strike rate of 37 and an economy of 8.84. To boost their spin department, RCB could target Delhi spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Having claimed 72 T20 wickets in his career, Bishnoi can be a significant asset for the defending champions.

    2. Mustafizur Rahman

    RCB’s death bowling faced criticism in IPL 2025, conceding 11.19 runs on average with a dot ball percentage of just 31.4. Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman could fill that gap with his ability to deceive batters using hit-the-deck deliveries and variations, making him an ideal option for RCB.

    3. Michael Bracewell

    After releasing Liam Livingstone, RCB has a vacancy for a batting all-rounder. New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell could fill this role. With 536 T20 runs and 23 wickets this year, his off-spin will also strengthen RCB’s spin options.

    4. Wanindu Hasaranga

    Suyash Sharma’s limited wicket-taking ability highlighted the need for stronger spin options. Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has taken 40 T20 wickets this year, could be a key target. His late-order batting also helps maintain the team’s balance.

    5. Alzarri Joseph

    RCB recently released Lungi Ngidi and Blessing Muzarabani. To cover the fast-bowling gap, Alzarri Joseph could be the ideal overseas pace option. The West Indies pacer is known for his express pace and aggressive deliveries, adding a different dimension to RCB’s bowling attack.

    These five players could play a crucial role in shaping RCB’s squad in the IPL 2026 auction. Strengthening and balancing the team will make this auction particularly important for the defending champions.

  • Historic IPL 2025 Win RCB like Released 5 Players for IPL 2026

    Historic IPL 2025 Win RCB like Released 5 Players for IPL 2026

    After finally lifting their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are preparing for a strong title defense in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The defending champions have announced their list of released players, which includes some big and surprising names. This move aims to free up salary cap space ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction

    RCB Released Players for IPL 2026

    1. Liam Livingstone

    2. Mayank Agarwal

    3. Lungi Ngidi

    4. Rasikh Salam Dar

    5. Swapnil Singh

    Liam Livingstone

    The English all-rounder was one of RCB’s costliest signings at Rs 8.75 crore, but he failed to deliver. Livingstone managed just 112 runs in 10 matches at an average of 16.00, along with 2 wickets. After being dropped mid-season and returning only due to Tim David’s injury, his performances didn’t justify his hefty price tag.

    Mayank Agarwal

    Brought in as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, Mayank played 4 matches, scoring 94 runs at a strike rate of 148.43. Despite his decent form, Padikkal’s return next season makes Mayank surplus to requirements.

    Lungi Ngidi

    The South African pacer, bought for Rs 1 crore, featured in only 2 games. Though he took 4 wickets, his economy rate of 10.12 hurt his chances of staying with the team. RCB’s management preferred other pace options in the playing XI.

    Rasikh Salam Dar

    The Jammu & Kashmir speedster was signed for Rs 6 crore, but played just 2 matches throughout the season. With a strong pace lineup already in place, Rasikh found limited opportunities.

    Swapnil Singh

    The left-arm spinner didn’t feature in a single match during IPL 2025. Retained via RTM (Right To Match) for Rs 50 lakh, Swapnil’s release comes as no surprise given RCB’s focus on active contributors for 2026.

    RCB’s Strategy for IPL 2026

    After breaking their 18-year wait for an IPL title, RCB looks determined to rebuild strategically for 2026. With several underperforming players released, the franchise will now target fresh talent and experienced all-rounders in the mini-auction to strengthen their squad depth and balance.