Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Full Squad After IPL 2026 Auction

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who tend to go big, made a huge impact at the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi when they purchased all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore. The auction for the very active left-hander started with the interest of the Lucknow Super Giants and the Gujarat Titans, and then it got heated.

In the end, it was a battle between RCB and his former team, KKR. RCB was the last one standing after KKR backed out at ₹6.80 crores, which therefore opened the gates for Venkatesh to once again play alongside Madhya Pradesh teammate and current RCB captain Rajat Patidar.

After the team’s historic first title win earlier this year against the Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, RCB made a determined entry in the auction, aiming at the main core of their victory. The management made it a point to keep franchise star player Virat Kohli and reliable captain Patidar as their priorities, while on the other hand, investing in the all-round and bowling departments.

The signing of Venkatesh is really apt for this purpose, as he would be able to give more options to the RCB batting order.

RCB not only enhanced their domestic base but also made a wise overseas investment at the same time by selecting New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy. He was taken by the Kiwi fast bowler in the very same round for his base price of ₹2 crore.

In this manner, the reigning champions have not only successfully reinforced their squad with these tactical additions but have also mixed the seasoned pillars with cutting-edge talent as they are getting ready to defend their hard-won trophy in the next season.