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.