What acquisitions might RCB make in the IPL 2026 mini-auction? Here's a look at possible bids and targets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Divy Dubey

•
Who will RCB buy in IPL 2026 mini auction? Listing down potential bids and targets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru image

[BCCI/Sportzpics]

TL;DR

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter IPL 2026 auction as reigning champions, focusing on specific weaknesses.
  • RCB has ₹16.4 crore and eight spots to fill, including two for international players.
  • Key targets include overseas spinner Wanindu Hasaranga and Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
  • The team seeks reinforcements in spin bowling and Indian pace options, with potential domestic targets like Akash Deep.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are heading into the IPL 2026 mini auction with a significantly altered perspective compared to past seasons. For the first time ever, they'll participate in an auction as the reigning titleholders, and this change in status alone reshapes their strategy for assembling the team.

RCB's strategy this time involves addressing particular weaknesses rather than making broad alterations, ensuring their existing foundation remains solid.

Add AllSportsPeople as a preferred news source

With ₹16.4 crore remaining in their budget and eight positions to fill, including two for international players, the team possesses ample flexibility to enhance crucial aspects without disrupting the successful framework that secured them the 2025 championship.

RCB auction purse 2026: Unspent funds and team deficiencies

RCB let go of several players, as per the retention list finalized on November 15, with overseas cricketers Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi among them. Indian cricketers Mayank Agarwal and Swastik Chikara were also released.

More: CSK's available funds for the IPL 2026 mini-auction: How much money and budget do the Chennai Super Kings have left?

The franchise is set to enter the auction with Yash Dayal still on the roster, despite his ongoing legal issues, and requires reinforcements in spin bowling and Indian pace options. It's understood the team's strategy involves securing one prominent international player and then filling the rest of their roster with cost-effective selections.

RCB's foreign targets: Hasaranga, Maxwell, Ngidi

Analysts expect RCB to chase a high-impact overseas spinner or all-rounder. Wanindu Hasaranga, released by Rajasthan Royals, is widely viewed as a top target due to his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.

More: MI purse for IPL 2026 mini auction: What is the remaining purse and budget for Mumbai Indians?

Should the franchise seek a power-hitter capable of bowling off-spin, Glenn Maxwell presents another possibility. If they prioritize depth over a prominent acquisition, a more economical backup pace choice such as Lungi Ngidi, whom RCB themselves let go, is still available.

RCB's domestic wish list is topped by Indian spinner Bishnoi.

Given that six Indian player spots are available, RCB is expected to focus on acquiring skilled spinners. Ravi Bishnoi, released by LSG, stands out as one of the most sought-after Indian prospects in the available selection.

His aggressive wrist-spin bowling positions him as a highly sought-after player in the auction, albeit at a significant cost. Should available overseas player spots be open and Hasaranga not be signed, Adam Zampa presents a viable substitute, though this option would involve limitations on player slots.

Indian pace options: Akash Deep and Mohit Sharma are probable targets for bids

The Royal Challengers Bangalore's domestic pace attack requires seasoned depth beyond their primary bowlers. Akash Deep, who has prior experience with the franchise and was recently let go by LSG, presents a logical choice for re-acquisition.

Mohit Sharma, a let go by DC veteran, provides death-overs control and experience, likely drawing mid-range offers.

In conclusion, Mahipal Lomror - released by GT, offers RCB a middle-order batting choice from the left side who can also contribute with occasional spin bowling. His characteristics align effectively with the team's requirement for adaptable and economical Indian batsmen.

RELATED LINKS:

Editorial Team