IPL 2026: 5 Bowlers RCB might target in mini-auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL title in 2025. Now, going into the 2026 season, expectations are higher as they look to defend the trophy. Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, they have retained 17 players. 

With a remaining purse of Rs 16.40 crore, they can fill a maximum of eight slots, including two overseas slots. Based on the retained players and the remaining purse, RCB need some bowlers, mostly backup options, to keep the squad balanced.

Here are the 5 bowlers RCB might target in the IPL 2026 mini-auction

1. Shamar Joseph

This young West Indies pacer is known for his raw pace. Shamar Joseph was with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and in 2024, he played only one match. He went wicketless and was expensive, conceding runs at an economy of 11.75. But as a backup option for Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood and Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara, Joseph could be someone RCB might look at.

2. Wiaan Mulder

This South African seam-bowling all-rounder could attract bids from RCB. Wiaan Mulder is a technically solid batter who can also extract swing, especially in the early overs. Because of this all-round ability, RCB might be interested in him even as a backup, especially for the star West Indies all-rounder, Romario Shepherd. 

Shepherd played a huge role in RCB’s IPL 2025 success both with the bat and ball. However, for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) last year, he played only one match, bowled one over, and conceded 16 runs without taking a wicket.

3. Adam Zampa

This Australian leg-spinner could be another option for RCB. Adam Zampa has improved a lot in recent years, especially in white-ball cricket. So far, he has played 22 IPL matches and taken 31 wickets. 

He has already represented RCB once in the 2020/21 season, where he played three games and claimed two wickets. So having that previous connection might help RCB this time around if they show eagerness to get Zampa on board. 

4. Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal is another Indian medium-pacer who could draw interest from teams in the upcoming auction. If RCB look for an Indian backup option who can bowl in the middle overs, Madhwal fits the role. 

In the 2023 season, he grabbed 14 wickets in eight matches for the Mumbai Indians (MI). But in the following season for MI, he picked up only five wickets in five games. In 2025, he represented Rajasthan Royals (RR), taking four wickets in four matches but conceding runs at an economy of 11.06. RCB could provide him with the stage to make a comeback.

5. Vignesh Puthur

This young spinner could be an exciting long-term option for RCB. Last season, he impressed while playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI), taking six wickets in five matches. If RCB bring in Puthur to add to their existing spin options like Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, it will give the bowling unit more variety. That will also benefit RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who will have different combinations to use depending on match situations. 

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