IPL 2026 Auction: 5 Players Royal Challengers Bengaluru Could Target to Strengthen Their Squad

By the time the IPL 2026 auction is just around the corner, RCB is at a critical point. The franchise has been in the hunt for the right mix of players—especially with regards to having enough bowlers and all-rounders—though they have never failed to have at least one or two star players every year, to launch a serious title challenge anyway.

Other than that, the auction is on, and RCB’s prioritization of their pace attack will be the main pick, the addition of a spinner who can be counted on and the drafting in of all-rounders who can smoothly switch between the different match situations as their focus. Here’s the rundown of a look at five players that RCB does not have to dream of the IPL 2026 auction to fill the voids.

1. Matheesha Pathirana

It is a matter of fact that one of the most sought-after bowlers in the IPL auction pool is Matheesha Pathirana could in every sense of the word be a metamorphic signing for RCB. The twenty-year-old fast bowler of the Sri Lankan national team is known for his unorthodox bowling style, speed, and, most importantly, being cool as a cucumber when at the death.

In the last couple of years, RCB has often been in trouble trying to limit runs scored against them in the last few overs and Pathirana being an expert in the area could help them overcome this weakness immediately.

When he is teamed up with a seasoned professional like Josh Hazlewood, the RCB can boast of a fast-bowling trio that the best of the batsmen find it difficult scoring runs off on a batter-friendly pitch.

Why he fits RCB:

An unrivalled death-overs expert, very likely to take high number of wickets, seasoned IPL player.

2. Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer is still one of the most sought-after Indian all-rounders whose services the franchises can pretend to do without. The right-handed batsman’s capability of playing stroke-filled innings in the middle and at the same time giving some overs of his medium pace bowling is too much flexibility that RCB have quite often not enjoyed.

Iyer is a batsman who can adapt to different positions making it easier for RCB to change their combination according to the nature of the pitch and the opponent. His presence will not only be an advantage to the team in that it will reduce reliance on foreign all-rounders but it will also give the team a better balance.

Why he fits RCB:

Indian all-round option, middle-order firepower, tactical flexibility.

3. Ravi Bishnoi

RCB’s spin bowling has always been prone to difficulties especially in the case of the slow nature of the pitch that requires very fine control and an excellent ability to vary. Perhaps that leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi has come of age. The spin of leggie has turned into a dependable wicket-taker. Besides, he manages to get the batsmen entangled in their minds with his speed and precision by keeping them guessing about the length he is going to bowl.

At a place that is Bengaluru where keeping runs down might not be that easy, Bishnoi's ability to go for wickets supplemented with the control bestowed on him would be priceless.

Why he fits RCB:

Frontline Indian leg-spinner, middle-overs control, wicket-taking threat.

4. Gerald Coetzee

With Lungi Ngidi exiting the RCB squad, it will not be surprising if the management goes looking for an overseas fast bowler with the qualities of aggression and intensity as well as Gerald Coetzee who is that type.

The South African fast bowler charges hard at the wicket, creates soaring bounce, and is a nuisance at times to the batters as he always seems to be in the right place at the right time to break stands.

Coetzee has the skill to bowl in both the powerplays and the middle overs, which makes him a very useful option especially for the faster Indian tracks.

Why he fits RCB:

Aggressive pace bowlers, overseas depth, impact player potential.

5. Akash Madhwal

What RCB's Indian pace department is going to be like ahead of IPL 2026 is not certain but one thing is for sure that Yash Dayal's availability has put his situation in a precarious state. Akash Madhwal comes to the fore as a solid domestic alternative.

Madhwal has already had a taste of and has been part of the previous IPL seasons with a reputation of being very disciplined, very good with yorkers and thus being able to strike at the most opportune times. Given that he was let go by the Rajasthan Royals, it is logical to say that he could be a smart acquisition and that the price-to-value ratio will be quite good; that he will add to RCB's Indian bowling might.

Why he fits RCB:

Indian fast-bowling depth, death-overs skills, proven IPL temperament.

Final Thoughts

The IPL 2026 auction presents Royal Challengers Bengaluru with an opportunity to move beyond star-driven selections and focus on building a more complete, adaptable squad. Targeting players like Pathirana, Bishnoi and versatile Indian options could finally help RCB bridge the gap between promise and performance.

Smart bidding—not big names alone—may be the key to RCB’s long-awaited IPL title push.