Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into the IPL 2026 mini auction with a very different outlook from previous years. For the first time in their history, they will enter an auction as defending champions, and that shift alone changes the way they approach squad building.
The Indian Premier League mini-auction will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16.
Instead of sweeping changes, RCB's focus this time is on plugging specific gaps while keeping their established core intact.
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With ₹16.4 crore left in the purse and eight slots open — including two overseas spots, the franchise has enough room to upgrade key areas without shaking up the structure that won them the 2025 title.
RCB auction purse 2026: Remaining budget and squad gaps
According to the retention list confirmed on November 15, RCB released several players, including overseas names Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi. Indian players Mayank Agarwal and Swastik Chikara were also let go.
More: CSK purse for IPL 2026 mini auction: What is the remaining purse and budget for Chennai Super Kings?
With Yash Dayal retained despite his ongoing legal matters, the franchise enters the auction needing reinforcements in spin and Indian pace depth. Reports suggest the team will prioritise one marquee overseas signing and then fill out the remaining slots with value picks.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru potential targets
Ravi Bishnoi: With six Indian slots open, RCB will likely invest in quality spin. Ravi Bishnoi, released by LSG, is one of the most in-demand Indian names in the pool.
His attacking wrist-spin makes him a premium auction target, though he will be expensive. If overseas slots remain free and Hasaranga is not secured, Adam Zampa could be an alternative, though that would come with slot constraints.
Akash Deep: RCB's domestic pace needs experienced coverage behind their first-choice options. Akash Deep, previously with the franchise and now released by LSG, is a natural buy-back candidate.
Mahipal Lomror: Wrapping up, Mahipal Lomror - released by GT, gives RCB a left-handed middle-order option who can bowl part-time spin. His profile fits well with the franchise's need for flexible, affordable Indian batters.
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