With IPL 2026 Mini-auction coming up, Royal Paintings Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves in a unique situation. It has maintained a strong core of players, including the likes Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewoodthe team has a solid foundation. However, with only 16.4 crores, the remaining eight slots (including the two overseas), their strategy must be one of surgical precision, using a prioritization of influential players over the big names.
For RCB, the focus will be on filling specific tactical gaps: a powerful Indian wrist-spinner, a highly effective foreign pacer and increasing Indian middle-order depth. Let’s take a look at such players who could fit into RCB’s radar and the strategic rationale behind each target.
5 players RCB can bid in IPL 2026 auction
1. Cameron Green
Green represents a rare, match-winning power hitter, seam bowling and an elite field. Although he was part of the RCB set-up earlier before being sold, his presence makes him an instant target.
- Why RCB need him: It offers stability and striking ability in the middle order and provides an important high-pace bowling option.
- IPL career: M: 29 | Employees: 707 @ 41.59 (sr: 153.70) | Wickets: 16 (ECO: 9.05)
- Difficulty: With other franchises also showing interest, Green is predicted to command a price tag that could consume half or more of RCB’s entire remaining purse. Signing it will prevent all or no action, possibly spending one on the other foreign slot.
2. Henry Nortje
The South African speedster is one of the most feared fast bowlers in T20 Cricket, known for his urgent pace and ability to deliver at the death limit.
- Why RCB needs him: DON’T BE NICE Josh HazlewoodRCB often needs a reliable, world-class backup or partner who can apply pressure in the final overs, especially on the smaller Chinnaswamy pitch. Nortje will provide immediate pace firepower and much-needed experience.
- IPL career: M: 48 | Wickets: 69 @ 27.16 (ECO: 9.07) | BEST: 3/33
- Difficulty: Nortje will also attract high bids from teams desperate for a specialist foreign pacer in the highest base price bracket (INR 2 CR). RCB’s limited bag secures it without making it too difficult.
3. Ravi Bishnoi
A wrist-spinner is a luxury in T20 cricket and Bishnoi is one of the top Indian talents. While RCB’s spin options are world-class, the wicket-taking legspinner offers a different dimension.
- Why RCB needs him: He provides a strong attacking option in the middle overs, a role that complements the management offered by the all-rounder. His previous status as a high-value catch suggests high confidence in his ability with another franchise.
- IPL career: M: 77 | Wickets: 72 @ 31.07 (ECO: 8.22) | BEST: 3/24
- Challenge: Bishnoi has set its base price at maximum Indian value (INR 2 CR). While addressing a key need, his value RCB must carefully weigh its value against other domestic targets.
4. Sarfaraz Khan
After a strong domestic T20 season Sarkaraz Khan‘s stock is rising. Formerly playing for RCB, he understands the environment and can add vital depth and strength to the Indian batting unit.
- Why RCB needs him: He is a dynamic player who is an innings or late, filling the need for a dependable, top-order potential Indian middle-order finalist. It represents a potentially high-yield investment at a lower cost than international stars.
- IPL career: M: 50 | Employees: 585 @ 22.05 (SR: 130.59) | HS: 67
- Advantage: Targeting Sarfaraz provides a fiscally responsible way to increase the Indian core.
Read: Glenn Maxwell makes a touching comment after being pulled out of the IPL 2026 auction
5. Rahul Tripathi
Tripathi is a versatile and aggressive top-order / middle-order Indian batsman who brings a high strike rate and extensive IPL experience across multiple franchises.
- Why RCB needs him: If RCB are looking for stability or a backup opener or one who can maximize powerPlay, Tripathi fits the bill perfectly. His ability to score quickly and handle pace bowling makes him a valuable household asset.
- IPL career: M: 100 | Runs: 2,291 @ 26.03 (SR: 137.85) | HS: 93
- Advantage: Like Sarfaraz, Tripathi can be acquired relatively cheaply, the only big foreign player decided to save precious funds for RCB.
Read: IPL 2026 Auction: INR 2 crore – Complete list of players from Venkatsh Iyer to Steve Smith
