The Saransh Jain story [CricTracker Exclusive]

From dealing with cricket and father's cancer to being Duleep Trophy's Player of the Series, Saransh Jain shares cricketing journey [Exclusive]

<p>The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is just a few months away, and every team will be looking to fine-tune their squads. Last year’s winners, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Royal Challengers Bengaluru</strong></a> (RCB), are no exception. Despite their successful campaign, RCB experienced a few minor hiccups and may look to shuffle their squad to ensure another strong season. Today, CricTracker lists down five such names that can perfectly suit RCB's plans for the IPL 2026 mini auction.</p>
<h2>Here are 5 players RCB might target at IPL 2026 auction</h2>
<h3>Finn Allen</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1669801935775_Finn-Allen.jpeg" alt="Finn Allen" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Finn Allen. (Photo Source: Joe Allison/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>New Zealand top-order batter <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/finn-allen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Finn Allen</strong></a> is a potential target for RCB. He has amassed 1,285 runs in 52 T20I innings at an average of 25, maintaining an impressive strike rate. Allen’s aggressive batting style makes him ideal for opening alongside RCB star Virat Kohli. He is known for his ability to hit boundaries with ease, and can help RCB set a strong pace from the outset and maintain a healthy run rate throughout the innings.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Sikandar Raza</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1756893248629_Untitled-design---2025-09-03T152250.png" alt="Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Sikandar Raza (Source/ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Zimbabwean all-rounder <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/sikandar-raza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sikandar Raza</strong></a> is another promising option. Ranked among the top all-rounders in ODIs, Raza has also excelled in T20 cricket. With over 2,000 runs and close to 100 wickets in T20Is, his experience in franchise cricket globally makes him a valuable asset. Raza’s ability to contribute both with the bat and ball can provide RCB with balance and depth in the middle order while strengthening their bowling attack.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Saransh Jain</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1757937568051_Saransh-Jain.jpeg" alt="Saransh Jain" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Saransh Jain (Source: JioHotstar)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/saransh-jain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saransh Jain</strong></a>&nbsp;could be a surprise addition from the domestic circuit. A key performer for Vidarbha across formats, Jain has showcased his talent in tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Duleep Trophy. In fact, he recently emerged as the Player of the Tournament in the Duleep Trophy, bagging 16 wickets and 132 runs in just two games for Central Zone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Having played under RCB skipper Rajat Patidar in domestic cricket, he brings familiarity and understanding of the team’s dynamics. Jain’s spin bowling and finishing abilities with the bat could make him a versatile option for the Bengaluru-based franchise.</p>
<div class="ct-read-more ct-box mceNonEditable" data-label-text="Read More" id="68e4b77e8245c96fdd96e3c2" data-fantasy-id="" data-msg="Read More: cricket-interviews/from-dealing-with-cricket-and-fathers-cancer-to-being-duleep-trophys-player-of-the-series-saransh-jain-shares-cricketing-journey-exclusive"></div>
<p></p>
<h3>Tushar Raheja</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1749891787543_Tushar-Raheja.jpeg" alt="Tushar Raheja" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Tushar Raheja. (Photo source: TNPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The wicketkeeper-batter <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/tushar-raheja/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tushar Raheja</strong></a> has made a name for himself in local leagues like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Raheja can serve as a backup for Jitesh Sharma while also providing explosive batting at the top. His ability to maintain a decent strike rate against quality opposition makes him an intriguing option for RCB, especially in matches requiring a quick start.</p>
<p>For his attacking abilities, he can also be the perfect Impact Player that RCB would fancy having in their line-up when playing an aggressive brand of cricket is required. Raheja would be hoping that his performances from the TNPL get noticed by the Royal Challengers ahead of the mini auction for the next season of the cash-rich tournament.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Pathum Nissanka</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1758976229065_Pathum-Nissanka.jpeg" alt="Pathum Nissanka" width="960" height="600" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Pathum Nissanka. (Photo source: Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sri Lankan opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/pathum-nissanka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pathum Nissanka</strong></a> is another high-potential target. With over 2,000 T20I runs at an average of 31.58, Nissanka has proven his ability to score quickly and consistently. He is capable of playing innovative shots and can open alongside Virat Kohli, particularly if Phil Salt is unavailable. Nissanka’s experience and stability at the top of the order could be crucial for RCB in building strong starts.</p>
<p>He also showed signs of great form with his batting in the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2025. He smashed a century, becoming the first batter with multiple hundreds in the continental tournament. As a result, Nissanka certainly becomes the one to watch out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the 2026 season.</p>

<p>The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is just a few months away, and every team will be looking to fine-tune their squads. Last year’s winners, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Royal Challengers Bengaluru</strong></a> (RCB), are no exception. Despite their successful campaign, RCB experienced a few minor hiccups and may look to shuffle their squad to ensure another strong season. Today, CricTracker lists down five such names that can perfectly suit RCB's plans for the IPL 2026 mini auction.</p>
<h2>Here are 5 players RCB might target at IPL 2026 auction</h2>
<h3>Finn Allen</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1669801935775_Finn-Allen.jpeg" alt="Finn Allen" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Finn Allen. (Photo Source: Joe Allison/Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>New Zealand top-order batter <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/finn-allen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Finn Allen</strong></a> is a potential target for RCB. He has amassed 1,285 runs in 52 T20I innings at an average of 25, maintaining an impressive strike rate. Allen’s aggressive batting style makes him ideal for opening alongside RCB star Virat Kohli. He is known for his ability to hit boundaries with ease, and can help RCB set a strong pace from the outset and maintain a healthy run rate throughout the innings.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Sikandar Raza</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1756893248629_Untitled-design---2025-09-03T152250.png" alt="Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Sikandar Raza (Source/ICC)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Zimbabwean all-rounder <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/sikandar-raza/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Sikandar Raza</strong></a> is another promising option. Ranked among the top all-rounders in ODIs, Raza has also excelled in T20 cricket. With over 2,000 runs and close to 100 wickets in T20Is, his experience in franchise cricket globally makes him a valuable asset. Raza’s ability to contribute both with the bat and ball can provide RCB with balance and depth in the middle order while strengthening their bowling attack.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Saransh Jain</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1757937568051_Saransh-Jain.jpeg" alt="Saransh Jain" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Saransh Jain (Source: JioHotstar)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/saransh-jain/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Saransh Jain</strong></a>&nbsp;could be a surprise addition from the domestic circuit. A key performer for Vidarbha across formats, Jain has showcased his talent in tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Duleep Trophy. In fact, he recently emerged as the Player of the Tournament in the Duleep Trophy, bagging 16 wickets and 132 runs in just two games for Central Zone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Having played under RCB skipper Rajat Patidar in domestic cricket, he brings familiarity and understanding of the team’s dynamics. Jain’s spin bowling and finishing abilities with the bat could make him a versatile option for the Bengaluru-based franchise.</p>
<div class="ct-read-more ct-box mceNonEditable" data-label-text="Read More" id="68e4b77e8245c96fdd96e3c2" data-fantasy-id="" data-msg="Read More: cricket-interviews/from-dealing-with-cricket-and-fathers-cancer-to-being-duleep-trophys-player-of-the-series-saransh-jain-shares-cricketing-journey-exclusive"></div>
<p></p>
<h3>Tushar Raheja</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1749891787543_Tushar-Raheja.jpeg" alt="Tushar Raheja" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Tushar Raheja. (Photo source: TNPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The wicketkeeper-batter <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/tushar-raheja/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Tushar Raheja</strong></a> has made a name for himself in local leagues like the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Raheja can serve as a backup for Jitesh Sharma while also providing explosive batting at the top. His ability to maintain a decent strike rate against quality opposition makes him an intriguing option for RCB, especially in matches requiring a quick start.</p>
<p>For his attacking abilities, he can also be the perfect Impact Player that RCB would fancy having in their line-up when playing an aggressive brand of cricket is required. Raheja would be hoping that his performances from the TNPL get noticed by the Royal Challengers ahead of the mini auction for the next season of the cash-rich tournament.</p>
<p></p>
<h3>Pathum Nissanka</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1758976229065_Pathum-Nissanka.jpeg" alt="Pathum Nissanka" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Pathum Nissanka. (Photo source: Getty Images)</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sri Lankan opener <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-players/pathum-nissanka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pathum Nissanka</strong></a> is another high-potential target. With over 2,000 T20I runs at an average of 31.58, Nissanka has proven his ability to score quickly and consistently. He is capable of playing innovative shots and can open alongside Virat Kohli, particularly if Phil Salt is unavailable. Nissanka’s experience and stability at the top of the order could be crucial for RCB in building strong starts.</p>
<p>He also showed signs of great form with his batting in the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2025. He smashed a century, becoming the first batter with multiple hundreds in the continental tournament. As a result, Nissanka certainly becomes the one to watch out for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the 2026 season.</p>

The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mini-auction is just a few months away, and every team will be looking to fine-tune their squads. Last year’s winners, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are n

5 players RCB might target at IPL 2026 auction

Let us take a look at five players who could be targeted by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming mini-auction.

5 players Royal Challengers Bengaluru might target at IPL 2026 auction

Check out the top five players Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might look to buy in the IPL 2026 auction to rebuild their squad for the upcoming season, only on CricTracker.