 "RCB IPL Auction 2026 Strategy: Royal Challengers Bengaluru full squad, major gaps, top targets and remaining purse")
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction from an unfamiliar position of strength – as reigning champions. The emphasis moves away from overhaul or course correction towards fine-tuning a proven blueprint. Retaining 17 players underlines the management’s confidence in a settled, title-winning core. With Rs 16.40 crore at their disposal and eight vacancies to fill, including two overseas slots, RCB are expected to prioritise tactical fit over marquee names at Tuesday’s auction in Abu Dhabi.
IPL Auction 2026: RCB’s retained players
RCB squad: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Bethell, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Dar, Swapnil Singh
IPL Auction 2026: RCB squad analysis and major gaps
On paper, RCB remain one of the most balanced sides in the league. The top order is settled, the middle-order has power and experience and the leadership group is stable. However, a closer inspection reveals pressure points that could define their auction strategy.
An overseas fast-bowling back-up for Josh Hazlewood, who is currently injured and has been ruled out of the Ashes, and a reserve middle-order batter to replace Liam Livingstone, who was released. RCB may also require a back-up for left-arm seamer Yash Dayal, who has not played any competitive cricket since IPL 2025 and skipped the UPT20 league more recently.
Also Read | IPL Auction 2026 team-wise top targets: Who will KKR, CSK and other franchises pick?
In 2025, RCB lacked a true, high-impact wicket-taking spinner, even though the likes of Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya did fairly well. This time they are anticipated to explore an elite alternative in order to remedy this.
IPL Auction 2026: RCB’s top targets
Venkatesh Iyer
RCB’s top order is largely settled, but there remains a clear need for a dependable Indian middle-order option—ideally at No. 4—who can handle spin and control the middle overs before the arrival of finishers such as Tim David, Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd. Venkatesh Iyer, released by KKR, fits that brief neatly. A left-handed power-hitter capable of operating at No. 3 or 4, he also offers a useful seam-bowling option, adding an extra layer of tactical flexibility. RCB’s management have shown interest in him in the past, and it will be worth watching whether they are willing to stretch their budget for the southpaw this time around.
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View AllGerald Coetzee
As Josh Hazlewood’s back-up, Gerald Coetzee, a young pace-bowling all-rounder released by Gujarat Titans, could represent a value-driven high-pace option for RCB, allowing them to manage both their limited overseas slots and constrained budget at the upcoming IPL 2026 auction.
Akash Madhwal
To hedge against uncertainties around Dayal’s availability and form, Akash Madhwal emerges as a viable option. A proven IPL performer released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, he could be a strong target for RCB as they look to bolster their Indian pace-bowling resources. The young quick brings valuable experience of operating at high-scoring venues such as the Wankhede Stadium during his stint with Mumbai Indians, where he consistently executed defined death-over plans with success.
Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi offers exactly the kind of middle-overs wicket-taking spinner RCB have long sought. A proven IPL performer, he has the skill set and temperament to develop into the lead spinner of this side. While a potential reunion with Wanindu Hasaranga — released by Rajasthan Royals — remains a possibility, Bishnoi represents a more sustainable, long-term Indian solution for RCB’s spin requirements.
Michael Bracewell
A former RCB player who featured for the franchise as an injury replacement for Will Jacks in IPL 2023, Bracewell could be a more utility-driven option to offset the loss of Livingstone. His off-spin, combined with left-handed power-hitting, would add tactical versatility and balance to the squad.
Beyond these names, RCB are also expected to keep a close watch on options such as Gus Atkinson, Adam Milne, Dwaine Pretorius, Mahipal Lomror, Akash Deep and Sarfraz Khan, all of whom could feature on their radar depending on how the auction dynamics unfold.
If the think-tank can use their remaining purse to secure pace depth, an adaptable Indian middle-order batter and at least one genuine wicket-taking option, RCB will enter IPL 2026 not just as defending champions, but as a side built to withstand the pressures that come with success.
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