IPL 2026 Auction: 5 Players RCB can Buy in Mini Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have entered the IPL 2026 auction with a clear strategy built around maintaining the core of their title-winning squad from IPL 2025.

As the defending champions, RCB retained

a strong group of 17 players, showing confidence in the squad's balance and key performers, while releasing a few strategic names to manage their auction purse effectively. As they are not in a state to make radical changes, they will be aiming to fill up the gaps in the mini auction.

RCB IPL 2026 Retentions and Strategy

RCB's retention list included marquee names like their captain Rajat Patidar, batting stalwart Virat Kohli, talented opener Devdutt Padikkal, and overseas key players such as Phil Salt and Tim David. The team also retained an experienced set of bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar along with emerging talents including Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd, and Jacob Bethell.

RCB Purse in IPL 2026 Auction

The decision to keep 17 players meant that RCB have a purse of INR 16.4 crore left for the IPL 2026 auction, to fill eight remaining slots, including two for overseas players. This purse is moderate compared to some franchises but offers decent flexibility to strengthen a specific area.

5 Players RCB may eye in IPL 2026 Auction

Anrich Nortje

After releasing Lungi Ngidi, RCB need an overseas pacer in their squad to backup Josh Hazlewood. South Africa's Anrich Nortje can be a decent option for that. He had an underwhelming outing for KKR and was released, but RCB may look if they get the South African in about Rs 3 crore.

Salman Nizar

The Kerala batter is known for his finishing ability and thus, Salman Nizar becomes a player who will entice many franchises in the mini auction. RCB will benefit with someone like Nizar, who has immense six-hitting ability and will be a perfect fit for them. The southpaw had an excellent outing in the Kerala Cricket League recently, and can be a budget friendly signing for them.

Simarjeet Singh

With their Indian bowling contingent massively limited to Yash Dayal and an ageing Bhubneshwar Kumar, RCB can pursue Delhi's Simarjeet Singh. The pacer was released by SRH despite having a decent season, and had a fantastic outing in the Delhi Premier League. Simarjeet's ability to swing the ball and generate pace is of decent value and the Bengaluru side wouldn't mind having him in the side.

Prithvi Shaw

An in-form Prithvi Shaw is a treat to watch, and if RCB can gamble on the India batter, they can enjoy excellent returns. Although Phil Salt and Virat Kohli look set to open the batting, having a prospect such as Shaw can be of huge importance. The Maharashtra batter is enjoying a decent patch and looks set to finally break out from his recent negative spiral. Shaw's prior IPL experience, class make him a top player for any team, and RCB would definitely be bolstered with his arrival.

Wanindu Hasaranga

RCB decided to move on from Liam Livingstone, which has created almost half of their mini auction budget. With a foreign all-rounder to look for, the champions will look at someone like Wanindu Hasaranga. The Sri Lanka star was part of RCB before and they will be tempted to bring him back in the mini auction. Hasaranga's bowling is a huge weapon for RCB and if they play at a neutral venue, the Sri Lankan can be of more use.