Royal Challengers Bengaluru Gear Up for IPL 2026 Auction

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is scheduled for December 16, where over 300 players will be available for teams seeking to enhance their rosters. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are entering the auction with a remaining purse of ₹16.40 crore and an opportunity to fill up to eight slots.

RCB’s strategy this auction will be critical, especially after releasing several notable players. The team has parted ways with prominent names such as Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi, alongside batter Mayank Agarwal, who joined as a replacement for the injured Devdutt Padikkal. Other players released include Swastik Chikara, Tim Seifert, Manoj Bhandage, Blessing Muzarabani, and Mohit Rathee.

RCB’s Retained Players and Strategic Focus

Despite the departures, RCB has retained a strong core of players, including star batsman Virat Kohli, wicketkeeper Phil Salt, and captain Rajat Patidar. The roster also features key talents such as Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood, among others. This retention strategy reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining a competitive edge following their historic IPL victory this year.

In the upcoming auction, RCB can only add two more overseas players to their lineup. The team is likely to target an overseas fast bowler to provide backup for Hazlewood, who has a history of injuries. Additionally, strengthening the spin department appears to be a priority, particularly with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma leading the attack.

Historic Achievements and Future Aspirations

This past season marked a significant achievement for RCB, as they secured their first-ever IPL title by defeating the Punjab Kings in a thrilling final held in Ahmedabad. Furthermore, RCB made history by being the first team to win all their away league matches in a single IPL season. Notably, they also ended a 17-year-long wait for a win at Chepauk, showcasing their growth and resilience.

Throughout the season, RCB displayed remarkable versatility, with nine different players earning player-of-the-match awards. This depth in talent will be a crucial factor as they approach the upcoming auction, where every decision made will be pivotal in their quest to defend their title and build a stronger team for the future.