Top 5 Players Royal Challegers Bengaluru (RCB) Will Target in IPL 2026 Auction
RCB prepare for IPL 2026 auction with ₹16.4 crore purse, Here are top five players RCB could target in the mini-auction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of ₹16.4 crore after releasing eight players, including Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi. The defending champions have kept their stronger core intact and will now look to make sharp, focused signings on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.
They have eight slots to fill, with two reserved for overseas players. Their main goals are to add pace depth, a quality spinner and a few flexible Indian options. Here are the top five players they are likely to target.
1. Anrich Nortje
RCB need raw pace, and Nortje is the best fit. He regularly clocks over 145 kmph and even holds the record for the fastest ball in IPL history. His aggression is ideal for the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where bowlers must find wickets to control scoring.
He can bowl in all phases and has 61 wickets in 48 IPL matches. RCB also need a strong overseas quick after moving on from Ngidi and looking to manage Hazlewood’s workload. Nortje was released by KKR after injury issues, which could make him available at a reasonable price.
2. Ravi Bishnoi
Since Yuzvendra Chahal left the team, RCB have struggled to find a reliable Indian wrist spinner. Bishnoi could finally fill that gap. His googlies and attacking approach make him a strong middle overs option.
Chinnaswamy is tough for spinners, but bowlers with variation have done well there. Bishnoi also brings long-term value because he is still young. His release after a dip in form might reduce his price, giving RCB a chance to secure a quality bowler without blowing their purse.
3. Gerald Coetzee
RCB want another overseas quick, and Coetzee is a strong option. He bowls above 140 kmph and often hits 150 kmph. He attacks the stumps and takes wickets in the middle overs. His World Cup 2023 performance, where he took 20 wickets, proves his ability to step up in big games.
He was released after a quiet season with GT, so RCB could get him at a fair price. For a team that depends heavily on Hazlewood, adding a young fast bowler with long-term potential makes sense.
4. Akash Madhwal
RCB need a dependable Indian seamer who can bowl the tough overs, and Madhwal is known for his yorkers under pressure. His 5 for 5 in the 2023 playoffs is still remembered as one of the best spells in IPL history.
He has been inconsistent since then, but a clear role could help him grow. RCB also know him well since he once trained with them as a net bowler. Given their limited purse, Madhwal could be a smart, value pick for the death overs.
5. Venkatesh Iyer
RCB will also look at Indian batting depth, and Venkatesh Iyer is a strong option. He can open or bat in the middle and provides a left-handed angle that RCB’s lineup mostly lacks. His medium pace adds balance too.
He had a modest 2025 season, which may bring his price down. At the right value, he becomes a flexible pick who gives the team more options in different match situations.
Other potential targets of RCB include Prithvi Shaw, Liam Livingstone (potential buy-back at a lower price), and a potential reunion with Wanindu Hasaranga.
