3 players RCB might trade before IPL 2026 Auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enjoyed a stellar campaign in the 2025 Indian Premier League, as they ended their 18-year wait for a trophy by emerging victorious in the final. The franchise flourished under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, registering nine wins in the league phase before defeating Punjab Kings in the final.

Several players stepped up for RCB throughout the tournament, but two standouts among those were Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood. Kohli accumulated 657 runs in 15 matches at an impressive strike rate of 144.71 while Hazlewood picked up 22 wickets at an economy of 8.77 in just 12 matches.

Nonetheless, the management would want to strengthen their team for the 19th iteration of the tournament. There will be several quality players who are expected to enter the mini auction. RCB, like most other franchises, will have their eyes on acquiring players by letting go of few others to other teams.

3 players RCB might trade before IPL 2026 Auction

3. Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell was snapped by RCB during the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season for INR 2.6 crore. He had broken into the English white-ball setup a few months prior to the auction and had impressed with his all-round abilities. However, Bethell only played a couple of matches for RCB and then received a call-up for England's series against West Indies, which clashed with the playoffs.

Bethell scored a quick fifty in one of the matches at home against Chennai Super Kings. However, his left-arm spin was not utilised. While Bethell is a solid option and there is no doubt on his abilities, RCB could plan to trade him for a more established spin-bowling all-rounder.