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IPL 2026 Trade: 3 Bold Player Swaps RCB And RR Could Execute Ahead Of Next Season

Debashis Sarangi

RCB and RR had contrasting seasons in IPL 2025 [Source: IPLT20.com]RCB and RR had contrasting seasons in IPL 2025 [Source: IPLT20.com]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a memorable IPL 2025 season, emerging as champions in the competition. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB swatted aside Punjab Kings in the final, claiming their maiden title in the tournament. 

However, despite winning the IPL 2025, RCB may consider trading some of their existing players for several reasons. In such a scenario, Rajasthan Royals might emerge as a new home for some RCB players and vice versa, with both teams aiming to fine-tune their respective squads. 

Shimron Hetmyer - Liam Livingstone

  • Shimron Hetmyer was one of Rajasthan Royals' retentions as the inaugural season winners kept the West Indies batter in their squad for a whopping price of INR 11 Crores. 
  • However, the southpaw failed to meet the expectations, managing 239 runs at an ordinary average of 21.73 and a strike rate of 145.73. 
  • Hetmyer has had two consecutive middling seasons for RR, amassing 352 runs across 22 innings. Thus, considering his recent returns for the franchise, RR might decide to replace him ahead of the IPL 2026. 
  • Meanwhile, RCB might also choose the same for Liam Livingstone, who looked lacklustre with the bat in the 2025 season. Thus, both teams could consider swapping Hetmyer with Livingstone for mutual benefits. 
  • Hetmyer's addition will ensure a dynamic left-handed batter in RCB's RHB-heavy batting unit. Meanwhile, Livingstone will add immense all-round value to the Royals' squad, which is mainly comprised of specialists. 

Nuwan Thushara - Fazalhaq Farooqi

  • Afghanistan speedster Fazalhaq Farooqi had a poor IPL 2025 season with Rajasthan Royals. The left-arm seamer went wicketless across five matches, conceding runs at an economy of 12.35. 
  • On the other hand, RCB benched Nuwan Thushara for almost the entire season. The Sri Lankan pacer, anyway, doesn't claim a place in a bowling lineup comprising Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Lungi Ngidi and Yash Dayal. 
  • However, the swapping of these two players might prove beneficial for RCB and RR. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium's pitch was more conducive to bowling than RR's home ground, Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Thus, if Farooqi joins the defending champions, he can form a formidable trio with Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood. 
  • On the other hand, RR need someone to lead their attack with Jofra Archer, who seemed like a lone warrior with the ball in the IPL 2025. Besides swinging the new ball, Thushara can be a valuable asset in the death-overs, thanks to his ability to nail yorkers. 

Manoj Bhandage - All cash trade

  • Promising all-rounder Manoj Bhandage hasn't played a single match for RCB yet. Despite showcasing incredible power-hitting skills in the Maharaja T20 tournament, Bhandage has warmed the bench throughout his stint with RCB. 
  • Meanwhile, the Royals definitely lack reliable domestic batters whom they can bank on during crunch run chases. The absence of an out-and-out finisher backfired on RR in the 2025 season, and Manoj Bhandage can definitely be a low-budget option for them.