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RCB IPL 2026 auction targets: Karnataka stars whom Kohli's team could buy for next season

Debashis Sarangi

Shubhang Hegde could be an excellent addition to RCB [Source: AFP, @CricketByMahesh/X]Shubhang Hegde could be an excellent addition to RCB [Source: AFP, @CricketByMahesh/X]

The highly anticipated IPL 2026 mini auction is all set to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. There are 350 players confirmed to go under the hammer, while the BCCI is reported to add a few more names to the final list. Talking about Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Rajat Patidar-led side has eight slots, including two overseas, to fill by using their remaining budget of INR 16.4 crores. 

As the defending champions prepare their IPL 2026 auction strategy, here are three players from Karnataka they might purchase for the next season. 

Yashraj Punja (Base price - 0.30 Crore)

Why Yashraj Punja could be a solid buy for RCB?

Criterion
Data
Innings10
Wickets23
Strike Rate10
Economy 7.45

(Yashraj Punja's stats in Maharaja T20 2025)

  • Yashraj Punja is a young leg spinner who shone brightly in the 2025 edition of the Maharaja T20 trophy. 
  • He bamboozled the opponents with his guile and variations, scalping 23 wickets in just ten matches at a superb economy of 7.45. 
  • His ability to strike at crucial junctures and keep the opposition under the pump with disciplined bowling might help Yashraj earn his maiden IPL contract for his state side RCB in the 2026 mini auction. 
  • Although RCB emerged as the IPL 2025 champions, they have an issue or two in their spin department. While Krunal Pandya was magnificent with the ball last season, Suyash Sharma's ineffectiveness to bag wickets (8 scalps in 14 IPL 2025 matches) could prompt the Royal Challengers to sign Yashraj as a surprising X-factor for the next season. 

Vidhyadhar Patil (Base price - 0.30 Crore)

Criterion
Data
Matches19
Wickets23
Strike Rate18.5
Economy8.98
  • Vidhyadhar Patil is a right-arm fast bowler who is known for his wicket-taking skills. The 25-year-old youngster has been impressive in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, emerging as Karnataka's go-to man with the ball. 
  • Patil has bagged eight wickets in seven appearances at a healthy strike rate of 19. With RCB searching for quality pacers to accompany Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, he can be a good addition to their setup.

Shubhang Hegde (Base price - 0.30 Crore)

Criterion
Data
Matches15
Runs
147
Batting Strike Rate168.96
Wickets8

(Shubhang Hegde's T20 stats)

  • Shubhang Hegde is a bowling allrounder, who has been impactful in his brief T20 career for Karnataka. 
  • The 24-year-old has also represented Belagavi Panthers and Bengaluru Blasters, showcasing his all-round attributes in the Maharaja T20 trophy. 
  • Besides amassing 147 runs at a blistering strike rate of 168.96, Shubhang Hegde has scalped eight wickets in his career. He has been consistent in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, striking at 133.33 and bagging six wickets in five matches. 
  • Given that RCB have released spin all-rounder Liam Livingstone and only one left-arm spinner, Krunal Pandya, in their squad, Shubhang Hegde can certainly be an excellent pick for them as an X-factor for the 2026 season.