Defending Champions RCB Strengthen Squad with Smart Buys at IPL 2026 Auction

• Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) focused on strategic improvements, not major overhauls, in the IPL 2026 auction.
• Key acquisitions include Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 7 crore) for top-order depth and balance, and Jacob Duffy (base price) as a reliable backup all-rounder.
• Mangesh Yadav was picked as a like-for-like replacement for Yash Dayal, and Jordan Cox provides cover for Phil Salt.
• RCB's biggest strength is its formidable batting lineup, well-suited for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium conditions.
• Weaknesses include fast bowling depth and the absence of a genuine attacking spinner for middle overs, areas they could have addressed differently.

Why It Matters: RCB made smart, targeted additions to their championship squad, focusing on balance and depth for IPL 2026.