3 players RCB might trade before IPL 2026 Auction

• RCB won IPL 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in the final after 18 years.
• Kohli (657 runs) & Hazlewood (22 wickets) starred; team seeks 2026 auction upgrades.
• Bethell, Ngidi, Salam may be traded for stronger spin, pace options pre-auction.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enjoyed a stellar campaign in the 2025 Indian Premier League, as they ended their 18-year wait for a trophy by emerging victorious

in the final. The franchise flourished under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, registering nine wins in the league phase before defeating Punjab Kings in the final.

Several players stepped up for RCB throughout the tournament, but two standouts among those were Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood. Kohli accumulated 657 runs in 15 matches at an impressive strike rate of 144.71 while Hazlewood picked up 22 wickets at an economy of 8.77 in just 12 matches.

Nonetheless, the management would want to strengthen their team for the 19th iteration of the tournament. There will be several quality players who are expected to enter the mini auction. RCB, like most other franchises, will have their eyes on acquiring players by letting go of few others to other teams.

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3 players RCB might trade before IPL 2026 Auction

3. Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell was snapped by RCB during the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season for INR 2.6 crore. He had broken into the English white-ball setup a few months prior to the auction and had impressed with his all-round abilities. However, Bethell only played a couple of matches for RCB and then received a call-up for England's series against West Indies, which clashed with the playoffs.

Bethell scored a quick fifty in one of the matches at home against Chennai Super Kings. However, his left-arm spin was not utilised. While Bethell is a solid option and there is no doubt on his abilities, RCB could plan to trade him for a more established spin-bowling all-rounder.

2. Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi was bought by RCB for his base price of INR 1 crore at the mega auction. A lot was expected of the South African who was returning to the IPL for the first time since 2021. Ngidi was the most economical bowler in RCB's two-run victory against CSK, as he ended up with figures of 3/30 in four overs. 

But like Bethell, he played only two matches after which national commitments meant he had to travel to England for the 2023-25 World Test Championship final against Australia. He was replaced by Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani. However, RCB could look to release Ngidi and bring in a like-for-like replacement. 

1. Rasikh Salam

Before landing an INR 6 deal with RCB at the auction, Rasikh Salam had played for three different franchises in the past. Much like Bethell and Ngidi, Rasikh also played only two matches. However, he could not produce any meaningful impact and was not tried in the latter stages of the season.

Delhi Capitals, Rasikh's franchise before RCB, had applied the Right To Match option for him during the mega auction ahead of IPL 2025. They clearly wanted him to remain a part of DC. However, RCB had the final say. The 2025 champions could probably have an agreement with DC and perform a trade deal in which Rasikh goes to DC and RCB bring in a pacer from DC.