Dinesh Karthik Virat Kohli for RCB. Image Credits: AFP
It's just a few days to go for IPL 2026, and the excitement is building for one of the biggest franchise cricket tournaments in the world. The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28 with a high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Having ended their 18-year-long wait for a title, RCB now enter the tournament as defending champions. Led by Rajat Patidar, the team will aim to become only the third side in IPL history to successfully defend their crown.
The team has retained a strong core for IPL 2026, including Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Jitesh Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. These players were key to their success last season.
RCB also strengthened their squad in the auction. Venkatesh Iyer was their biggest buy, while Jacob Duffy adds depth to their pace attack. However, one signing that has caught everyone’s attention is Indian pacer Mangesh Yadav.
Dinesh Karthik’s and Mo Bobat's strategy viral
Just before the tournament, a viral video featuring Dinesh Karthik and RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, revealed an intense discussion over auction strategy.
In the clip, Mo Bobat asked Dinesh Karthik which players RCB should target. Karthik quickly names Auqib Nabi, Shivam Mavi, and Mangesh Yadav. When asked to pick just two, he strongly pushes for Aquib Nabi and Mangesh Yadav.
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The conversation appeared intense, with Karthik firmly backing his choices and stressing the importance of investing in Indian pacers.
Watch the video:
Did RCB bid for Auqib Nabi in IPL 2026 mini-auction?
RCB's actions at the IPL 2026 mini-auction were on point and clear. The franchise entered a bidding war for Auqib Nabi, showing strong interest in the young pacer.
However, the competition was intense. Teams like Delhi Capitals and SRH pushed the price higher. RCB eventually pulled out, and Auqib Nabi was sold to Delhi Capitals for ₹8.40 crore after a fierce bidding battle.
RCB's approach for Mangesh Yadav
RCB ensured they didn't miss any of their targets. They went all-in for Mangesh Yadav and successfully signed him for ₹5.20 crore.
Starting from a base price of ₹30 lakh, the bidding quickly escalated as RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad competed aggressively. The price crossed ₹5 crore before SRH stepped away, allowing RCB to seal the deal.
Meanwhile, Shivam Mavi was picked up by Sunrisers Hyderabad at his base price.
RCB's schedule in IPL 2026 first phase
RCB will begin their campaign with a home match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on March 28. This will be followed by another big clash against their long-time rivals, CSK, on April 5.
After two home games, RCB will travel for away matches against the Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians on April 10 and April 12, respectively.
With a strong squad and a clear strategy, RCB look well-prepared for the season.
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