Abu Dhabi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru recorded eight key additions at the TATA IPL 2026 Player Auction, led by the acquisition of Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for INR 7 crore and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who was signed for INR 2 crore.
The defending champions further strengthened their squad by signing left-arm pacer and lower-order batsman Mangesh Yadav for INR 5.2 crore, making him India’s fourth-highest non-international signing of the day. The franchise also added hard-hitting English wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox, who was signed for INR 75 Lakhs.
RCB further invested in youth by securing 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for INR 30 Lakhs. A talent nurtured in the RCB team, Deswal has been part of the franchise ecosystem as a trainee (net bowling) for the last few seasons, where he impressed with composure beyond his years at the batting field and provided additional spin bowling options.
The franchise also brought in a contingent of promising young all-rounders in Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal and Kanishk Chouhan, who featured in the India U19 team, all acquired at the base price of INR 30 Lakhs.
Speaking about the acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer, RCB head coach Andy Flower said: “We have been trying to buy Venky for two years in a row now. We rate him very highly, so it’s great to get him on our books. We met and chatted with Venky and we really liked him. We rate him as a contender. I think he’s a smart guy and has some really good leadership qualities too, which is great to have in the dressing room.” out in the field.”
RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat further added: “We’ve put together two guys who are obviously very experienced and of high quality. Getting Venky for the price we did, we’re happy with that and getting Duffy for the price we got him for was quite a bargain given the year he’s had.”
Speaking about the squad composition, Bobat said: “We have a well-coordinated team and most people can see the structure of our team because we have retained the core. This auction was about developing the squad, increasing our strength and providing some injury protection.”
Discussing the overall goals for the upcoming season, Bobat said: “Our job is to put together a team that we are proud of, to perform the way we want and to be successful on the field. For me and the entire team, that is what we are focused on.”
Reflecting on RCB’s general approach to the auction, he concluded: “I wouldn’t say we’re looking for bargains. I think it’s a simple principle. You come to the auction with the players in mind, set a budget and if you get them for less than that, you’re very happy.”
New signings in TATA IPL 2026 player auction:
Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Kanishk Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra
Retained players:
Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thosehara, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Rasikh Dar
