IPL 2026 Trade: 3 Player Swaps MI And RCB Could Execute Before Next Season

Debashis Sarangi

MI and RCB have been two most followed teams in IPL [Source: IPLT20.com]MI and RCB have been two most followed teams in IPL [Source: IPLT20.com]

Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed a fierce rivalry in the Indian Premier League. The 2025 season of the tournament also witnessed a riveting clash between these two sides, with RCB pipping the Men in Blue and Gold by 12 runs in a high-scoring thriller. 

However, as the IPL trade window opens ahead of the 2026 season, MI and RCB could join hands for some groundbreaking deals that could fine-tune their respective squads for the tournament. 

Jacob Bethell To MI, Will Jacks To RCB?

  • Jacob Bethell played a minimal role for RCB in the IPL 2025, with Phil Salt regularly featuring in the tournament as Virat Kohli's opening partner. The English batter could play only two matches, slamming a blistering fifty in one of them. 
  • Meanwhile, MI seemed a little bit confused about the role of Will Jacks. They purchased the English all-rounder for a whopping price of INR 5.25 Crores. However, they couldn't allot him a consistent batting position, with the flamboyant cricketer managing 233 runs at an average of 23.30. 
  • Also, with Tilak Varma struggling with rough patch, MI could show their interest in such a player-for-play swap with RCB. Bethell could be an excellent choice for them, while Jacks can be RCB's genuine all-rounder alongside Krunal Pandya. This deal has the potential to benefit both teams and help them form a more formidable combination for the tournament. 

Liam Livingstone: An All-Cash Trade Option For MI

  • Just prior to the 2024 season, MI executed an all-cash trade for Cameron Green, using the budget to rope in Hardik Pandya as their skipper. They might adopt a similar strategy to secure the services of Liam Livingstone, who seems the frontrunner to get axed following an underwhelming season with RCB. 
  • Livingstone, who was bought for a massive price of INR 8.75 Crore, could score only 112 runs at an average of 16. Thus, RCB would be keen to get rid of him while MI's finishing woes might prompt them to take the gamble of investing in the English mainstay. 
  • MI's problems were evident in the slog overs as the five-time champions were over-reliant on Hardik Pandya to succeed in that phase. Although Naman Dhir chipped in with valuable contributions, Livingstone's addition to their squad could empower MI with another genuine all-rounder who can also be effective as a finisher on Mumbai's placid batting deck. 

Reece Topley To Be Swapped With Lungi Ngidi?

  • Despite lifting the IPL 2025 title, RCB were over-dependent on Josh Hazlewood to succeed with the ball. Also, given that Yash Dayal faces legal trouble due an alleged sexual harassment case. 
  • If Dayal is unavailable, the defending champions might be interested in Reece Topley, who warmed the bench in the MI dugout throughout the 2025 season. Topley can be an excellent addition to RCB's pace battery, while MI could ask them to give Lungi Ngidi in return. 
  • The five-time IPL winners have Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah to handle the new ball. However, they lack a reliable third seamer, a void that can be filled by introducing the South African pacer to their squad.