Abu Dhabi: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bolstered their squad with eight additions at the IPL 2026 Player Auction, headlined by the signing of Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs. 7 crore, here yesterday.
RCB also secured New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy for Rs. 2 crore, adding further strength to their pace resources.
Among the notable domestic acquisitions was left-arm pacer and lower-order batsman Mangesh Yadav, who was bought for Rs. 5.2 crore, making him the fourth-highest uncapped Indian pick of the day.
The team enhanced their batting depth with the inclusion of England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox for Rs. 75 lakh.
The franchise also invested in youth by signing 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for Rs. 30 lakh. Deswal, who has been part of RCB’s ecosystem as a net bowler over the last two seasons, impressed the team management with his composure and additional spin-bowling options.
Continuing their focus on emerging talent, RCB picked up India U-19 all-rounders Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal and Kanishk Chouhan, all at their base price of Rs. 30 lakh each.
Team RCB for IPL 2026
Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thushara, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh and Rasikh Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Satvik Deswal, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal and Kanishk Chouhan.
This post was published on December 17, 2025 5:34 pm