Read Bengali: IPL 2026: আইপিএলে দাপট আরসিবির, ঘরের মাঠে ১৮ রানে হার মুম্বাই

Batting first after being asked to set a total, RCB posted a massive 240/4 in 20 overs. The innings was powered by explosive knocks from Phil Salt (78 off 36 balls), Virat Kohli (50), and skipper Rajat Patidar, who blasted 53 off just 20 deliveries. Tim David provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 34 as RCB crossed the 240-mark.

In reply, MI started with intent but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav got decent starts, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quick 40. However, the real fight came from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 71 and kept the chase alive till the very end.

Despite a late flourish, the asking rate kept climbing, and RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. MI finished at 222/5, falling 18 runs short in what turned out to be a record-breaking high-scoring encounter (total aggregate 462 runs).

This victory highlighted RCB’s strong batting depth and composure under pressure. For MI, it’s another disappointing result as they continue to search for consistency in the season.

নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের

Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.

However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.

During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.

The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.

There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.

Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.

Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.

RCB’s first task will be to find a replacement for Lungi Ngidi. There will be various options available—new-ball bowlers as well as death-over specialists.

While Sri Lankan yorker specialist Matheesha Pathirana may be expensive, other alternatives such as Reece Topley, Matt Henry, Gerald Coetzee, and Spencer Johnson are likely to be on RCB’s radar.

Possible Overseas Pace Targets

Matheesha Pathirana

Gerald Coetzee

Anrich Nortje

Reece Topley

Spencer Johnson

Matt Henry

If RCB manage to grab any of these pacers at a reasonable price, their bowling backup will be significantly strengthened.

Kohli–Faf Want a Stronger Allrounder Unit

RCB have already released Liam Livingstone. Though there’s still a chance to buy him back, cheaper alternatives like Moeen Ali, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Aaron Hardie may also be available in the auction.
With two overseas slots open, the team must choose wisely.

Among Indian allrounders, RCB could target:

Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Atharva Taide

Mahipal Lomror

Need for a Backup Top-Order Batter

RCB’s first-choice backup top-order option was Venkatesh Iyer, but acquiring him will be tough.

Thus, the franchise is likely to look at players like:

Prithvi Shaw

Sheikh Rasheed

Wicketkeeping Department

With Tim Seifert released, RCB need a backup wicketkeeper. Since no overseas slots are free for this category, they will target Indians.

Possible options:

Luvnith Sisodia

Bansh Bedi

Most Popular Indian Bowling Targets

Among Indian pacers, the most sought-after names are expected to be:

Simarjeet Singh

Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Chetan Sakariya

Akash Madhwal

Among spinners:

Rahul Chahar

Karn Sharma

Kumar Kartikeya

RCB might be able to sign a few of them without breaking the bank.

RCB’s Probable 8 Targets for IPL 2026 Auction
Overseas Fast Bowlers

Reece Topley

Matt Henry

Gerald Coetzee

Overseas Allrounders

Wanindu Hasaranga

Moeen Ali

Indian Allrounders / Bowlers

Mahipal Lomror (Indian spin allrounder)

Rajvardhan Hangargekar (Indian pace allrounder)

Simarjeet Singh (Indian fast bowler)

Rahul Chahar (Indian leg-spinner)

Batting & Wicketkeeping

Prithvi Shaw (Top-order batter)

Luvnith Sisodia (Indian wicketkeeper)

The core of the champion squad is already set so RCB will prioritize picking the right “squad players” rather than big superstars.
How the Patidar–Kohli-led unit uses their ₹16.40 crore purse will be interesting to watch.

Where Does RCB Need Strengthening?

1. Overseas Strike Pacer (Top Priority)

Despite having Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara in their pace attack, both have limitations—Hazlewood’s workload management and Thushara’s lack of experience. This makes a world-class overseas strike pacer RCB’s biggest requirement.

The best-suited option is Anrich Nortje (released by DC). His 145+ km/h pace and aggressive bowling make him deadly on Bengaluru’s batting-friendly pitches.
Another strong choice is Gerald Coetzee (released by GT), who can serve as a long-term backup for Hazlewood.
To strengthen death bowling, RCB may also consider bringing back Mustafizur Rahman.

2. Indian Middle-Order / Finisher (Domestic Balance)

Despite a stable top order, RCB need a strong Indian middle-order batter capable of playing spin and finishing games—especially since their overseas slots are limited.

The premium option is Venkatesh Iyer (released by KKR). A left-handed power-hitter who can bat at No. 3 or No. 4 and contribute with part-time pace.
A more realistic and budget-friendly option is Mahipal Lomror, whom RCB may consider bringing back. He is a left-handed batter who can also bowl useful leg-spin.
RCB may also take a bold call by targeting Prithvi Shaw.

3. Wicket-Taking Spin Option

Even with Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma retained, RCB lack a high-impact, wicket-taking specialist spinner—the missing link in their bowling lineup.

The top target in this category is Ravi Bishnoi (released by LSG), known for his consistent strike ability in the middle overs.
A reunion with Wanindu Hasaranga is also a realistic possibility.

4. Overseas All-Rounder (Livingstone’s Replacement)

With Liam Livingstone released, the franchise needs a versatile overseas all-rounder. The ideal option is Michael Bracewell (released by DC), who offers left-handed batting in the middle order along with economical off-spin—perfect for squad balance.

RCB are not looking for dramatic changes; instead, they aim to sharpen their championship squad by filling specific gaps with the right players. Their strategy for the IPL 2026 mini-auction is calculated, not aggressive. Now it remains to be seen whether this structured approach helps them achieve repeated success in the upcoming season.

নিলামে সম্ভাব্য এই পাঁচ ক্রিকেটারকে টার্গেট করছে RCB!

1. Ravi Bishnoi

Suyash Sharma showed inconsistency last season, taking just eight wickets in 14 matches with a strike rate of 37 and an economy of 8.84. To boost their spin department, RCB could target Delhi spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Having claimed 72 T20 wickets in his career, Bishnoi can be a significant asset for the defending champions.

2. Mustafizur Rahman

RCB’s death bowling faced criticism in IPL 2025, conceding 11.19 runs on average with a dot ball percentage of just 31.4. Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman could fill that gap with his ability to deceive batters using hit-the-deck deliveries and variations, making him an ideal option for RCB.

3. Michael Bracewell

After releasing Liam Livingstone, RCB has a vacancy for a batting all-rounder. New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell could fill this role. With 536 T20 runs and 23 wickets this year, his off-spin will also strengthen RCB’s spin options.

4. Wanindu Hasaranga

Suyash Sharma’s limited wicket-taking ability highlighted the need for stronger spin options. Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who has taken 40 T20 wickets this year, could be a key target. His late-order batting also helps maintain the team’s balance.

5. Alzarri Joseph

RCB recently released Lungi Ngidi and Blessing Muzarabani. To cover the fast-bowling gap, Alzarri Joseph could be the ideal overseas pace option. The West Indies pacer is known for his express pace and aggressive deliveries, adding a different dimension to RCB’s bowling attack.

These five players could play a crucial role in shaping RCB’s squad in the IPL 2026 auction. Strengthening and balancing the team will make this auction particularly important for the defending champions.