RCB’s IPL 2026 Auction Strategy: Targeting Elite Pace and Domestic Finishers to Defend the Title

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a clear strategy: fill crucial gaps in their pace attack, spin department, and domestic middle-order depth. Key targets include high-impact pacers like Anrich Nortje, left-handed finishers like Venkatesh Iyer, and elite wicket-taking spinners such as Ravi Bishnoi, as they aim to solidify their squad for another title run. Read the full analysis by Arif Hossain on ozwin365sports.

By Arif Hossain – Analysis on ozwin365sports

RCB have a few gaps to fill in IPL 2026 auction OZWin365

The defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are heading into the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a highly retained core of 17 players, including superstars Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar. Their auction strategy is focused not on a complete overhaul, but on precisely filling specific gaps to maintain their championship balance. With Rs 16.40 crore available after releasing Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi, RCB is targeting a high-impact few to fill their eight available slots (two overseas).

1. Overseas Strike Pacer: The Critical Need

RCB’s most crucial overseas requirement is a world-class, high-impact pacer. While the squad retains Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara, the need for a premium speed option to partner or rotate with them is paramount, especially on the flat surfaces of Bengaluru.

Top Target: Anrich Nortje (DC Release): Nortje is a near-perfect fit, offering genuine 145+ km/h pace and the aggression needed for both the Powerplay and middle overs.
Alternatives: Gerald Coetzee (a long-term backup) or the potential return of death-over specialist Mustafizur Rahman could also be considered by the RCB think tank. You can check the pre-auction value of all these elite bowlers on OZWin365.

2. Indian Middle-Order/Finishing Depth

Despite a strong top-order, RCB needs an Indian batter who can effectively navigate spin and finish games in the middle order. This domestic depth is vital for squad flexibility.

Premium Target: Venkatesh Iyer (KKR Release): A left-handed power-hitter, Iyer offers the flexibility to bat at No. 3 or No. 4 and provides useful pace bowling—a massive asset for any IPL side.
Budget Option: Mahipal Lomror presents a more budget-friendly left-handed option who can stabilize the middle order.

3. Spin Reinforcement: Seeking Wicket-Taking Quality

While Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma are retained, RCB lacked a genuine, high-impact wicket-taking spinner in the previous season. The goal is to acquire an elite wrist-spin option.

Top Target: Ravi Bishnoi (LSG Release): Bishnoi offers the best wicket-taking threat in the middle overs and would be a massive upgrade to RCB’s spinning arsenal.
Potential Reunion: A move to bring back Wanindu Hasaranga (released by RR) is also a strong possibility, given his past success with the franchise.

4. Overseas All-Round Cover

The release of Liam Livingstone leaves a rotational gap for a versatile overseas all-rounder.

Ideal Fit: Michael Bracewell (DC Release): Bracewell provides left-handed batting in the middle order and economical off-spin, making him the perfect rotational player to complement Krunal Pandya.

The RCB management is set for a busy auction as they look to make precise, high-value purchases to secure the best possible squad to defend their championship title. For comprehensive pre-auction coverage, team retention details, and deep player analysis, stay tuned to ozwin365sports.

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