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As the defending champions of IPL 2025, RCB enter the 2026 auction with a confident yet calculated mindset. While the retention of stars like Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Krunal Pandya keeps their core strong, there are specific gaps to fill to ensure they defend their title successfully.
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With the auction list released, here are five players with a base price of INR 2 crore who could be perfect fits for the Royal Challenger Bengaluru.
1. Ravi Bishnoi
While RCB lifted the trophy last season, their spin department had its struggles. Suyash Sharma, though talented, couldn’t quite deliver the goods, managing only 8 wickets in 14 matches with a high strike rate of 37 and an economy of 8.84. To fix this, RCB could go hard for Ravi Bishnoi. With 72 IPL wickets to his name, Bishnoi offers the wicket-taking threat that was missing in the middle overs, providing a massive upgrade over the current setup.
2. Mustafizur Rahman
Death bowling remains a concern for RCB. Despite the title win, the bowling unit leaked runs at an economy of 11.19 in the slog overs, with a low dot ball percentage of just 31.4%. Mustafizur Rahman could be the solution. The "Fizz" has been in fine form in T20s this year, snapping up 16 wickets at a miserly economy of 7.31. His variations and cutters would be ideal for the Chinnaswamy track.
3. Michael Bracewell
After releasing Liam Livingstone, RCB needs a solid batting all-rounder. Michael Bracewell fits this role perfectly. He has been exceptional this year, scoring 536 runs at a blistering strike rate of 146.4 while also picking up 23 wickets. His left-handed batting in the middle order and off-spin bowling would provide great balance, complementing the likes of Krunal Pandya.
4. Wanindu Hasaranga
If RCB misses out on Bishnoi, a reunion with Wanindu Hasaranga makes sense. The Sri Lankan star has taken 40 T20 wickets this year and is a proven match-winner. His wily wrist-spin is exactly what RCB needs to improve upon Suyash Sharma’s lacklustre season.
5. William O'Rourke
With the release of reserve pacers like Lungi Ngidi, RCB needs a genuine wicket-taking seamer. Enter William O'Rourke. The towering 6'4" New Zealander has been a revelation, capable of hitting speeds up to 150km/h and generating steep bounce that troubles the best batters. O'Rourke impressed during his stint with Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, producing match-winning figures of 3/27 against the Gujarat Titans. He brings the "x-factor" RCB needs. His ability to hit the deck hard makes him an ideal candidate to utilise the bounce at Chinnaswamy.