Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) walked out of the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with their plans executed to near perfection. As defending champions, RCB entered the auction with a largely settled core, clear roles in mind, and minimal gaps to plug. The result was a focused bidding strategy, eight successful purchases, and a squad that now looks balanced across departments.
Rajat Patidar to captain RCB in IPL 2026
RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar, who continues as captain after guiding the franchise to its maiden IPL title. Virat Kohli remains the senior batter and leader within the group, while the team management has retained the core that delivered success last season.
RCB wicketkeepers for IPL 2026
RCB have multiple wicketkeeping options for the new season. Phil Salt and Jitesh Sharma are the frontline wicketkeeper-batters, while Jordan Cox, signed for Rs 75 lakh at the auction, adds depth and flexibility as a backup keeping option.
What RCB did at the IPL 2026 auction
RCB showed rare restraint at the auction, bidding for only 10 players and successfully signing eight of them. Their key focus areas were fast-bowling depth, Indian batting reinforcement, and young domestic talent.
The franchise quietly addressed injury cover for Josh Hazlewood by picking up Jacob Duffy at his base price of Rs 2 crore. With uncertainty around Yash Dayal’s availability, RCB went aggressively for a left-arm pace option and secured Mangesh Yadav for Rs 5.20 crore after a competitive bidding war.
The defining moment of RCB’s auction, however, was the return of Venkatesh Iyer. After losing him to KKR in the previous mega auction despite pushing beyond Rs 23 crore, RCB finally got their man this time for Rs 7 crore. The left-handed all-rounder significantly strengthens RCB’s Indian batting core and offers seam-bowling options.
RCB also invested in youth, bringing in Satvik Deswal, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, and Kanishk Chouhan, while Jordan Cox adds overseas depth at a modest price.
RCB finished the auction with Rs 0.25 crore remaining, zero player slots left, and no overseas slots vacant.
Players bought by RCB at IPL 2026 auction
Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 7 crore), Jacob Duffy (Rs 2 crore), Satvik Deswal (Rs 30 lakh), Mangesh Yadav (Rs 5.20 crore), Jordan Cox (Rs 75 lakh), Vicky Ostwal (Rs 30 lakh), Vihaan Malhotra (Rs 30 lakh), Kanishk Chouhan (Rs 30 lakh).
RCB full squad for IPL 2026
Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan.
Squad outlook
With a settled core, strong Indian batting depth, multiple pace options, and flexibility across roles, Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into IPL 2026 as one of the most complete squads in the league. The smart return of Venkatesh Iyer and targeted bowling reinforcements underline an auction strategy built not on hype, but on continuity and clarity.
