RCB target players will be under the spotlight as the defending champions prepare for the IPL 2026 auction. With a settled first XI, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will use their auction purse to solve depth issues rather than restructure their core. Their focus is clear: secure backup pace options, reinforce spin in middle overs, and add left-hand batting flexibility.
Here is the complete RCB auction strategy, squad depth and who will RCB buy to maintain championship performance levels.
How RCB Squad 2026 Looks Right Now
Based directly on the RCB auction planning sheet
| Position | First-choice XI | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Opener | Virat Kohli | Domestic opener (to be purchased) |
| Wicketkeeper-opener | Phil Salt ✈️ | Jacob Bethell |
| No.3 | Rajat Patidar | — |
| No.4 | Devdutt Padikkal | Domestic LHB backup (auction) |
| No.5 | Tim David ✈️ | — |
| WK/Finisher | Jitesh Sharma | Domestic keeper (auction) |
| All-rounder | Romario Shepherd ✈️ | Overseas all-rounder (auction) |
| Spin all-rounder | Krunal Pandya | Swapnil Singh |
| Pace | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Rasikh Salam |
| Overseas Pace Leader | Josh Hazlewood ✈️ | Nuwan Thushara |
| Domestic Pacer | Auction Pick | Yash Dayal / Abhinandan Singh |
| Impact | Suyash Sharma | Domestic middle-order batter (auction) |
| Impact Alt | Domestic spinner (auction) | — |
RCB Strengths
- Top-order quality vs pace and spin
- New-ball excellence (Bhuvneshwar + Hazlewood)
- Power-hitting strength in overs 12–20
Key RCB weakness areas
- Very RHB heavy middle order
- Only one proven overseas all-rounder (Romario)
- Primary leg-spinner is raw (Suyash)
- Thin domestic pace backups
- Hazlewood workload uncertainty → need quality overseas pace cover
Resulting Needs
- Domestic LHB batters
- Overseas and domestic all-rounders
- One reliable wrist spinner
- Backup for Yash Dayal and Hazlewood
RCB Auction Strategy 2026: Key Profile Requirements
- Explosive domestic LHB top-order or finisher
- Overseas enforcer pacer as Hazlewood insurance
- Bankable middle-overs spinner
- Second Indian wicketkeeper for depth
These are the precise categories guiding the RCB target players 2026 list.
Top RCB Target Players 2026
Category A: High-Priority Targets
| Player | Role Fit | Why RCB Need Him |
|---|---|---|
| Kartik Sharma | WK-batter, powerplay hitter | Long-term domestic keeper, left-hand balance |
| Atharva Taide | LHB top-order | Reinforces left-hand batting depth |
| Gus Atkinson ✈️ | Overseas pace + lower-order hitter | Premium Hazlewood backup and enforcer |
| Sonu Yadav | Domestic seam-allrounder | Second finisher and bowling option |
| Rahul Chahar | Wrist-spinner | Reliable middle-overs wicket-taker |
| Auqib Nabi | India pacer | Backup for Bhuvneshwar and domestic pace rotation |
These names directly align with RCB auction strategy priorities.
Category B: Medium-Priority Targets
| Player | Why Consider |
|---|---|
| Venkatesh Iyer | Domestic batting all-rounder, LHB |
| Macneil Noronha | Middle-order hitter + off-spin |
| Sikandar Raza ✈️ | Overseas spin-allrounder |
| Jason Holder ✈️ | New ball + lower-order power |
| Matt Henry ✈️ | Proven pacer |
| Jacob Duffy ✈️ | Short-format swing pacer |
These are tactical buys depending on price dynamics.
Category C: Low-Priority Budget Targets
| Player | Fit |
|---|---|
| Tejasvi Dahiya | WK-middle order utility option |
| Ritik Tada | Domestic finisher from MP T20 |
These round off squad depth if budget is stretched.
ALSO READ: GT Target Players List
RCB Remaining Purse Plan
| Priority Role | Expected Budget Allocation | Target Pool |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas pace backup | ₹6–9 Cr | Atkinson / Henry / Duffy |
| Domestic LHB batting | ₹3–5 Cr | Taide / Kartik Sharma |
| Specialist spinner | ₹2–4 Cr | Rahul Chahar |
| Domestic finisher depth | ₹1–3 Cr | Sonu Yadav / Noronha |
RCB’s plan: fill gaps with precision, not glamour.
Who Will RCB Buy? Most Realistic Predictions
Based on purse + squad needs + sheet priority grading
- Gus Atkinson
- Atharva Taide
- Kartik Sharma
- Rahul Chahar
- Sonu Yadav
This combination resolves:
- Bowling insurance
- Left-hand power shortage
- Middle-overs spin reliability
- Lower-order flexibility
RCB target players 2026 reflect a methodical strategy built on maintaining a proven winning core while adding role-specific depth. The RCB auction strategy prioritises backup strength in fast bowling and more domestic left-hand hitting options.
If executed correctly, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will enter IPL 2026 with a deeper, smarter, more matchup-resilient squad than last season’s champions.
