RCB's Strategic Signings Shine at IPL 2026 Mini Auction

In the recent IPL 2026 mini auction, former cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin lauded Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for their strategic signings, including promising talents Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan. Ashwin highlighted RCB's impressive scouting abilities and their successful acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer, despite competition from Kolkata Knight Riders. The auction, held in Abu Dhabi, saw RCB making significant investments in both youth and experienced players, setting the stage for a strong season ahead. Discover more about RCB's auction strategies and player potentials in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 08:05 IST

RCB's Smart Acquisitions at IPL 2026 Auction

New Delhi, December 19: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has commended the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for their astute signings during the IPL 2026 mini auction, particularly noting the additions of Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan, each acquired for Rs 30 Lakhs.

Ashwin emphasized that these signings reflect RCB's impressive scouting abilities and expressed optimism about Kanishk Chouhan's future potential. Both players are currently part of the U-19 India squad competing in the ongoing Men's Asia Cup. The mini auction took place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

“I want to commend RCB for their strategy. They have secured both Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan for 30 Lakhs. This level of scouting is commendable. With such talent acquisition, competition will be minimal. I believe Kanishk Chouhan is destined for greatness,” Ashwin remarked on his YouTube channel.

Additionally, Ashwin praised RCB for successfully acquiring Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore, despite interest from the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), asserting that RCB had a strong showing at the auction.

“How does RCB manage to excel at the auction? Previously, they aggressively pursued Venkatesh Iyer, and had KKR withdrawn, RCB's auction would have ended there. This time, even with KKR's financial backing, RCB managed to secure him for 7 crore. RCB has once again had an outstanding auction,” Ashwin added.

Iyer was auctioned with a base price of Rs 2 crore. The Lucknow Super Giants made their first bid, followed by the Gujarat Titans after a brief pause. The bidding intensified when Iyer's former team, KKR, entered the fray.

RCB and KKR both vied for Iyer, but ultimately, RCB signed the all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh. Iyer has accumulated 1,468 runs at an average of 29.12, boasting a strike rate exceeding 137, including one century and 12 fifties across 56 IPL innings. Last season, KKR reacquired him for Rs 23.75 crores, but he struggled, managing only 142 runs in seven innings at an average above 20, with a strike rate nearing 140 and just one fifty.

The defending champions further bolstered their squad by signing left-arm pacer and lower-order batter Mangesh Yadav for Rs 5.2 crore, marking him as the fourth-highest uncapped Indian acquisition of the day. The franchise also welcomed hard-hitting English wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox.

RCB continued to invest in young talent by securing 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for Rs 30 Lakhs and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy for Rs 2 crore.