Following their historic IPL victory in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is strategically planning for the 2026 season, setting their sights on the upcoming mini-auction to reinforce their winning formula. With a settled core of 17 retained players, including stars like Virat Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB aims to fine-tune their squad rather than initiate a complete overhaul. The focus will be on bolstering specific areas with a calculated approach.

Purse and Priorities

RCB enters the mini-auction with INR 16.4 crore and eight available slots, including two for overseas players. This allows them the flexibility to target key areas without disrupting the team's balance. Their priorities include:

• Middle-Order Batting Depth: Seeking an Indian batter capable of stabilizing the innings and playing aggressively.
• Pace Bowling Options: Reinforcing both foreign and Indian pace reserves.
• Specialist Death Bowler: A bowler who can support Hazlewood and Dayal.
• All-rounder depth: Adding utility players who can contribute with both bat and ball.

Potential Player Targets

Several players have emerged as potential targets for RCB in the mini-auction:

• Venkatesh Iyer: An Indian middle-order batter known for his stabilizing and attacking abilities.
• Akash Madhwal: A promising Indian pace bowler.
• Gerald Coetzee: An overseas pace option to support Hazlewood.
• Wanindu Hasaranga: A high-impact overseas spinner or all-rounder.
• Ravi Bishnoi: An attacking wrist-spinner.
• Mustafizur Rahman: A death bowling specialist.
• Anrich Nortje: An overseas strike pacer.
• Prithvi Shaw: An explosive batter.
• Salman Nizar: A hard-hitting finisher from Kerala.
• Rahul Chahar: A young, proven leg-spinner.
• Akash Deep: An experienced Indian pace bowler.
• Mohit Sharma: A senior Indian pace bowler with death-over expertise.
• Mahipal Lomror: A left-handed middle-order option who can bowl part-time spin.

Strategic Considerations

RCB's approach to the auction will be guided by several strategic considerations:

• Role-Based Recruitment: Prioritizing players who fit specific tactical requirements.
• Avoiding Overbidding: Smart spending and tactical recruitment to avoid expensive bidding wars.
• Domestic Talent: Investing in emerging Indian players, especially in pace bowling, wicket-keeping, and batting.
• All-rounders: Emphasis on acquiring multi-dimensional players to enhance team balance.

Home Ground Uncertainty

Adding a layer of complexity to RCB's preparations is the uncertainty surrounding their home ground. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is under scrutiny following a stampede during the IPL 2025 victory celebrations. The Karnataka government has sought a structural safety report, and the stadium was excluded from hosting major events like the 2026 T20 World Cup and Women's ODI World Cup. As a result, RCB is considering the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune as an alternative home venue for IPL 2026.

Retained Players

RCB has retained a strong core of players, indicating their confidence in the existing squad. Key retentions include:

• Indian Batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal.
• Overseas Stars: Phil Salt, Tim David.
• All-rounders: Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell.
• Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal.

By strategically targeting players in the mini-auction, RCB aims to reinforce their squad and maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming IPL season.