IPL 2026 Auction: RCB can bring in These 4 players to challenge for Title again!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) retained 17 players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, including key names like captain Rajat Patidar and batting star Virat Kohli.

The retention strategy focuses on maintaining

the core of their title-winning squad from IPL 2025 while freeing up purse for targeted auction buys. The defending champions will be aiming to build another top squad ahead of the next season, as they look to continue their merry way.

The released players list includes notable overseas players such as Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi, along with domestic players Mayank Agarwal, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee, and Swastik Chikara. This release frees up approximately INR 16.4 crore for RCB to spend on filling eight slots (including two overseas players) in the IPL 2026 auction.

RCB's retention lets them approach the auction with a solid base, including internationals like Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, and Romario Shepherd, while also preserving young Indian talents like Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma, ensuring a strong and balanced squad for the next season. Virat Kohli, their talisman, is set to continue with the franchise while Rajat Patidar will continue leading the side.

But as the mini auction approaches, RCB can rope in a few players to fill in their gaps after their released list. Here are three names who can do wonders for them next season.

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw has shown form this season in the domestic tournaments. The explosive batter has a plethora of experience across the levels of the game, and he can be RCB's perfect opening backup to Virat Kohli and Phil Salt. Shaw's hard-hitting ability and current form make him an ideal backup signing, and RCB may exercise that.

Salman Nizar

Although RCB have an excellent top-order, their middle order can afford another hard-hitting player. And in that case, Kerala's Salman Nizar fits the bill perfectly. The southpaw can be their finisher in IPL 2026 and his price may be perfect as well. Nizar has been excellent in the Kerala Cricket League and recently hit 11 sixes in a row in a match while playing for Calicut Globstars. A hard-hitter from get go, he can be a good signing for them.

Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindy Hasaranga's release from the Rajasthan Royals game as a surprise to many. The Sri Lankan all-rounder boasts various qualities, and his spin-bowling poise is one of the best, to say the least. Previously part of the RCB, Hasaranga can be added back to the ranks as a replacement for Liam Livingstone. Along with his bowling, the Sri Lanka player is menacing with the bat as well.

Smaran Ravichandran

Smaran Ravichandran, a 22-year-old left-handed batter from Karnataka, excels as a power-hitter with off-spin bowling support. In 2025 first-class cricket, he amassed 1035 runs in 12 innings at an average of 115, including 4 centuries. RCB need explosive middle-order batsmen post-releases; Smaran's high strike rate and six-hitting suit their requirements. As an uncapped Karnataka talent, he fits budget-wise for IPL 2026 auction as well.