RCB’s Possible Targets for IPL 2026 Auction: RCB is in a different space when it comes to IPL 2026 mini-auction as they are about to decide the focus of their next moves. On the one hand, a strong season gives them a pretty stable core; on the other hand, clever depth signings might be the reason for their success. RCB is more likely to divert the attention from big-ticket names to young domestic players with high potential and bowlers who complete a team well. The majority of expert opinions and RCB’s potential players’ list at the auction reflect this kind of strategy.
RCB’s Possible Targets for IPL 2026 Auction
1. Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer was a player whom RCB had kept a close watch on for a long time. IPL 2025 auction had a bidding war reportedly between KKR and RCB, where RCB was said to have pushed ₹23 crore up for Iyer. Never the success of the landing, but the essence was that the skills of the player were highly valued by the franchise. KKR releasing Venkatesh Iyer ahead of 2026 has been a source of rumors that have given RCB another chance, so they probably could now land him for sure.
Performance
Batting: Middle-order solidity is what Iyer can bring as he is not only capable of both anchoring and attacking the innings. Up until now in 62 matches, he has done so in IPL scoring ~1,468 runs, his strike rate being 137.32, and making one century and 12 fifties.
Bowling: Just a few overs of bowling have been his contribution to the team by utilizing a part-time medium pacer option that can add flexibility to the squad.
Value proposition: It is likely that due to the missed opportunity of signing Iyer, RCB is well-aware of his potential and worth. Getting him now can be equal to having a homegrown match-winner in India without totally wiping out the account.
Verdict: Middle-order Iyer strengthening through domestic all-rounder RCB’s playing it right and keeps their bench deep bringing in might cushion could be a local. It’s really a high-reward, especially if they can get him at a “reasonable” price after the auction hype they previously made.
2. Akash Madhwal
Akash Madhwal’s name doesn’t always hit the top spots in target lists, but some sources mark him as a mighty South Asian pace option for RCB in 2026. RCB would find him an “interesting option,” India Today states, particularly if the team needs a bowler for the death.
His recent performances and skills
Madhwal shot himself into the IPL 2025 headlines when he was performing for Rajasthan Royals: he made a 3/29 against CSK, and among those he got rid of MS Dhoni was the most famous.
His IPL bio says that he has already faced 17 competition games while earning 23 wickets, with one game witnessing a fabulous 5/5.
Death bowling is his forte: the way he bowls affords him the opportunity to combine yorkers with “ground-hitting” deliveries, thus making him useful in the final overs of the game.
Verdict: Madhwal stands behind a shrewd choice for RCB, a death-over specialist, whom they can get for a modest price and has the potential to flourish in the future. He may not be a show, but as one of the smartest, role-based investments, he probably is.
3. Simarjeet Singh
RCB is rumored to be scouring for a domestic pace-backup from the younger pool of talents, and Simarjeet Singh figures out to be a viable contender for such a position, as per several analyses.
Performance and skills
Recent form: In the 2025 edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), Simarjeet distinguished himself among the bowler corps, taking 10 wickets at an average of ~20.60 and a strike rate of 13.80.
Bowling profile: He achieves a decent height off the pitch and has demonstrated the ability to go for wickets in the shortest format of the domestic game. Specialists say RCB could employ him to extend their pace strength.
Value play: Being a younger, rising player, he may not be able to demand as much purse as a big-name star, thus giving RCB more money to spend on other players.
Verdict: Simarjeet Singh is an RCB growth-ticket. If they decide to invest in the grooming process, he might turn into a dependable second or third seamer, especially with a tight budget.
RCB Confirms Full List of Retained and Released Players: Check Here
4. Atharva Taide
In most of the target lists, he isn’t considered, but some of RCB-focused projections have noted Atharva Taide. Given RCB’s need for a top- and middle-order backup, Taide could make a smart move.
Performance
Taide made his IPL debut in 2025 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad and showed that he was ready for big-stage cricket.
He is a left-handed batter, well known for his calmness, and can play different roles: becoming the main player of innings, making the partnership strong, or quickening the game if it is necessary.
Verdict: Taide is a speculative choice to be more than a most likely scenario, but he could be of great help eventually. For a franchising which already has a core of excellent players, putting money into someone like him might bring a long-term rather than a short-term benefit.
RCB’s Possible Targets for IPL 2026 Auction: What to expect?
RCB’s 2026 auction strategy is shaping up to be one of careful balance. They are not only going for the stars they want but also seem to be concentrating on role players who can strengthen the team’s depth and fill in for the upcoming gaps.
RCB can be one of the biggest winners of the IPL 2026 auction if they play intelligently, targeting these players with accuracy and not overpaying.
