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RCB IPL 2026 auction targets: 5 Indian players whom Virat Kohli's team could buy for next season

Debashis Sarangi

Prabhudessai could be a good pick for Kohli's RCB [Source: AFP]Prabhudessai could be a good pick for Kohli's RCB [Source: AFP]

The much-awaited list of players for the IPL 2026 mini auction was revealed on Tuesday. The list, which initially had 1355 players, has now been trimmed down to 359, including nine new additions to it.

Talking about Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the IPL 2025 winners have a pretty much settled core. Most of their key players made it into the RCB retention list, while the Red Brigade released eight cricketers into the IPL 2026 mini auction pool. 

Considering RCB have only two overseas slots, they might focus on purchasing Indian cricketers for the IPL 2026 season. As the mini auction approaches, here we analyse to predict which Indian players RCB might buy in the event. 

Ravi Bishnoi (Base price - 2 Cr)

Why RCB could target Ravi Bishnoi

  • Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal used to be an integral part of the RCB setup. However, after releasing the leg spinner, the Royal Challengers struggled to find a like-for-like replacement for him. 
  • Although they signed Suyash Sharma in the IPL auction last year, the Delhi spinner's failure to bag wickets in the middle overs might prompt RCB to introduce an upgrade over him to their setup. Despite RCB giving him enough opportunities, Suyash managed only eight wickets in 14 matches in the IPL 2025. 
  • In such a scenario, Ravi Bishnoi could be an excellent addition to the RCB lineup. He has 72 wickets under his belt in the IPL. Also, the leg spinner has shown solid form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scalping nine wickets in seven outings at an impressive strike rate of 15. 

Rahul Tripathi (Base price - 75 lakhs)

Why RCB could target Rahul Tripathi

Criterion
Data
Innings48
Runs1270
Average29.53
Strike Rate141.43

(Rahul Tripathi's IPL record at number 3)

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru had Devdutt Padikkal at number three, who performed decently for them, scoring 247 runs at an average of 27.44 and a strike rate of 150.61 in the IPL 2025. Although Padikkal gave his all for the franchise, his inconsistency in the IPL (as his average of 25.44 suggests) might make RCB sign a backup for him. 
  • In that case, Rahul Tripathi, who has been relatively more consistent at three than Padikkal, can be an option worth considering for RCB. His fearless batting approach could make him an asset for the defending champions, especially on flat batting decks. 

Abhinav Manohar

Why RCB could target Abhinav Manohar

  • RCB released Liam Livingstone to the IPL 2026 auction pool, vacating a crucial spot in the middle order. The English allrounder was assigned a middle-overs enforcer's role, but his failure in the IPL 2025 resulted in his axing. 
  • If RCB decide to fill Livingstone's void with a solid Indian batting option, they might go after Abhinav Manohar, who has been a force to reckon with the bat in the final two phases. 
  • Statistically, Manohar has hammered 560 T20 runs at a strike rate of 141.4 in 7-20 overs, and he is familiar with the playing conditions at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, being a local player. Thus, his signing could strategically benefit the IPL 2025 champions in the next season. 

Akash Madhwal

Why RCB could target Akash Madhwal

Criterion
Data
Wickets19
Average23.3
Strike Rate12.7
Economy10.98

(RCB's retained pacers in death overs in IPL 2025)

  • Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood were absolutely brilliant in the powerplay, the RCB bowling unit struggled to get going in the slog overs last season. 
  • As evidenced by the above stats, RCB's retained pacers had an economy rate of around eleven runs per over last season. To address this issue, they might rope in Akash Madhwal, who is a designated death-overs specialist. 
  • In Bumrah's absence, Madhwal performed impressively for Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season, scalping 14 wickets at a magnificent economy of 8.59. So, Madhwal's death-bowling expertise might help him get into the RCB setup for the 2026 season. 

Suyash Prabhudessai

Why RCB could target Suyash Prabhudessai

  • After releasing Liam Livingstone and Manoj Bhandage, RCB have only three designated middle-order batters- Rajat Patidar, Tim David and Jitesh Sharma- in their squad. 
  • If they wish to enrich their middle-order batting resources with an Indian signing, Suyash Prabhudessai could be an option worth considering for them. 
  • Interestingly, Prabudessai used to be a part of the RCB setup. He has showcased scintillating form in the SMAT 2025, amassing 211 runs across six innings at an average of 52.75 and a strike rate of 142.57. So, his current form and the need for middle order batters might prompt RCB to recall Prabhudessai for the 2026 season.