RCB's Strategic Signings Shine in IPL 2026 Mini Auction
Ashwin Applauds RCB's Smart Auction Moves
Ravichandran Ashwin, the former Indian cricketer, has expressed his admiration for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) following their impressive signings during the IPL 2026 mini auction. He specifically highlighted the acquisitions of Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan, both secured for Rs 30 Lakhs each. Ashwin believes these signings reflect RCB's exceptional scouting abilities and predicts a bright future for Chouhan, who is currently part of the U-19 India squad competing in the Men's Asia Cup. The mini auction took place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
"I want to commend RCB for their strategic moves. They have successfully acquired both Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan for 30 Lakhs. This level of scouting is commendable. With such talent, competition will be minimal. I foresee Kanishk Chouhan achieving remarkable feats," Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel.
Additionally, Ashwin praised RCB for securing Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore, despite interest from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He remarked on RCB's fortunate auction strategy, recalling that during the previous auction, they had pursued Iyer vigorously. "How does RCB manage to be so fortunate at the auction? Previously, they went all out for Iyer, and if KKR had withdrawn then, RCB's auction would have ended there. This time, even with KKR's financial backing, RCB managed to sign him for 7 crore. RCB has once again excelled in the auction," he added.
Iyer entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore. The bidding began with Lucknow Super Giants, followed by Gujarat Titans. The competition intensified when KKR entered the fray, but ultimately, RCB secured the all-rounder.
In his IPL career, Iyer has accumulated 1,468 runs at an average of 29.12, boasting a strike rate exceeding 137, including one century and twelve fifties across 56 innings. Last season, KKR acquired him for Rs 23.75 crores, but he struggled, managing only 142 runs in seven innings with an average above 20 and a strike rate close to 140, along with just one fifty.
RCB Enhances Squad with Additional Signings
The defending champions have 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. RCB also welcomed hard-hitting English wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox to their roster. Additionally, the franchise invested in youth by securing 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for Rs 30 Lakhs and New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy for Rs 2 crore.