RCB's Big Bet: How Venkatesh Iyer Headlines a Strategic IPL 2026 Auction Haul

The defending champions further strengthened their squad depth with the signing of left-arm pacer and lower-order batter Mangesh Yadav for Rs 5.2 crore, making him the fourth-highest uncapped Indian acquisition of the day. The franchise also added the hard-hitting English wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox, signed for Rs 75 Lakhs, as per a release.

RCB further invested in youth by securing 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for Rs 30 Lakhs. A talent nurtured within the RCB setup, Deswal has been part of the franchise's ecosystem as an intern (net-bowler) over the last couple of seasons, where he impressed with composure at the crease beyond his age, along with providing additional spin bowling options.

The franchise also brought in a contingent of promising young all-rounders who have featured in the India U19 setup, through Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal and Kanishk Chouhan, all acquired at their base price of Rs 30 Lakhs.

Speaking on the acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer, RCB Head Coach Andy Flower said, "That's two years in a row that we've tried to buy Venky. We rate him very highly, so it's great to get him on our books. We've met with Venky and chatted with him, and we really liked him. We rate him as a competitor. I think he's a smart guy and has some really good leadership qualities as well, which is great to have in your dressing room and out on the field."

RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat further added, "We lined up two guys who are obviously very experienced and high quality. To get Venky for the price we did, we're happy with that, and to get Duffy for the price we got him for as well was pretty much a bargain, given the year he's had."

Reflecting on the squad composition, Bobat said, "We've got a settled team, and most people can see the structure of our side because we've retained the core of it. This auction was about developing the squad, strengthening our depth and adding some injury cover."

Speaking about the broader objectives for the season ahead, Bobat said, "Our job is to assemble a team that we're proud of, put in the kind of performances we want, and be successful on the field. For me and the whole team, that's what we focus on."

Reflecting on RCB's overall approach to the auction, he concluded, "I wouldn't say we're looking for bargain buys. I think it's a simple principle. You come to the auction with players in mind, you set yourself a budget, and if you get them for less than that, you're very happy."

Signings at the 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 Thushara, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Rasikh Dar.

- ANI