IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Know Your Players

Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Know Your Players

Heading into the 2026 IPL auction as defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prioritized building squad depth. With a purse of ₹16.4 crore, they filled eight spots through smart additions, including versatile options and pace reinforcements like Mangesh Yadav (₹5.2 crore) and Jacob Duffy (₹2 crore), strengthening their 25-player squad.

Jordon Cox, the English wicket-keeper batter, with 6 T20Is to his name was roped in for INR 75 Lakh. RCB also got in a bunch of stars from India's U-19 World Cup winning campaign. Who did they acquire? We look and know a little more about them.

MANGESH YADAV

Mangesh Yadav is an exciting left-arm pacer from Madhya Pradesh who also offers value as a lower-order batter. Renowned for his skiddy pace, ability to consistently clock speeds around 140 kmph, and a pinpoint yorker, he first grabbed attention with standout performances in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League, where he finished as the leading wicket-taker.

Building on his success in franchise cricket, Yadav made a smooth transition to the senior state side, delivering impactful performances for Madhya Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with both bat and ball. His ability to swing the new ball, mix in effective slower deliveries, and execute under pressure in both the powerplay and death overs makes him a valuable T20 asset. Add to that his power-hitting capabilities down the order, and he becomes a well-rounded option. Recognizing his potential as a frontline pacer, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured him for ₹5.2 crore ahead of the 2026 IPL season.

VICKY OSTWAL

A left-arm orthodox spinner from Maharashtra who also contributes with the bat in the lower order. He rose to national prominence during India’s victorious 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign, where he finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets in six matches, including an impressive 5/28 against South Africa.

Known for his control and economy, maintaining a rate below 6.50 in T20s, the 23-year-old relies on disciplined lines, subtle variations in flight, and the ability to choke runs through the middle overs. His consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset in the shorter format. Acknowledging his steady rise in domestic cricket and his effectiveness as a left-arm spin option, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured him at his base price of ₹30 lakh in the 2026 IPL auction.

VIHAAN MALHOTRA

Vihaan Malhotra is a promising left-handed batter and right-arm off-break bowler who served as vice-captain during India’s triumphant 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign. The young all-rounder showcased remarkable composure and adaptability in the middle order, delivering key performances throughout the tournament. His highlights included a superb unbeaten 109 off 107 balls against Zimbabwe in the Super Six stage, along with a decisive bowling spell of 4/14 that sparked a collapse against Bangladesh and sealed an 18-run win.

Recognizing his all-round value and maturity, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured him at his base price of ₹30 lakh in the 2026 IPL auction. The 19-year-old adds tactical depth, sharp fielding, and versatility to the squad.

KANISHK CHOUHAN

The Haryana youngster combines a powerful right-handed batting style with effective right-arm off-spin. He first grabbed national attention during the U-19 Asia Cup, earning Player of the Match honours against Pakistan with a crucial 48 runs and an impressive 3/33 at a tight economy rate.

Chouhan played a key role in India’s victorious 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign, consistently delivering under pressure with important middle-overs wickets and valuable contributions with the bat down the order. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) signed him for his base price of ₹30 lakh in the 2026 IPL auction. The young talent adds useful spin depth and balance to the squad.

SATWIK DESWAL

Satvik Deswal is an 18-year-old left-arm wrist spinner and useful lower-order batter who represents Pondicherry in domestic cricket. He recently made a strong impression in the Pondicherry T20 tournament, picking up 14 wickets in 10 matches and standing out as the only bowler with an economy-rate under six.

His tight control and element of mystery caught RCB's attention, where he initially impressed as a net bowler. Recognizing his potential, the franchise secured him for his base price of ₹30 lakh in the 2026 IPL auction. Deswal now joins the squad as an exciting X-factor option to strengthen their spin department.

ABHINANDAN SINGH

Abhinandan Singh is an emerging right-arm medium-fast bowler known for his ability to hit consistent lengths and generate swing with the new ball in both directions. Before earning a full IPL contract, he gained valuable exposure as a net bowler with the title-winning Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) squad in the 2024 season.

His consistent performances in domestic cricket soon led to his maiden IPL deal, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) signing him for his base price of ₹30 lakh at the 2025 auction. Impressed by his steady progress and dependable pace, RCB retained the young seamer ahead of the 2026 season, adding further depth to their bowling lineup. Singh played RCB's opener against SRH. The pacer conceded 38 in 3 overs, picked up the wicket of Ishan Kishan. The spark was clearly visible and it'll be exciting to witness how his journey goes on.

The defending champions started the 2026 season with a win. There's plenty of games to go - a few lads might get a look in while the others will have to wait longer but the stage is set up perfectly for them. Who do you think will shine brighter?