Irfan Pathan outlines RCB and RR’s IPL 2026 auction plan

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan said Royal Challengers Bengaluru must look to find backup options for fast bowlers like Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal in IPL 2026 mini auction. Hazlewood had played a key role in RCB’s maiden title in the tournament, taking 22 wickets in 12 matches in IPL 2025.

However, the veteran Australian pacer has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England due to a hamstring strain injury. Pathan highlighted that Hazlewood would come into the IPL after playing a lot of cricket and thus his backup will be important. Furthermore, Yash Dayal has been facing some off-the-field issues, which could hamper his performances.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “They’ve sent out Liam Livingstone because they’ve plenty of overseas options. Jacob Bethell will also not make the playing XI unless there is an injury. The only thing they’ve to keep in mind is Hazlewood would have also played a lot of cricket. So having a backup for Hazlewood will be essential. Also Yash Dayal hasn’t played any cricket since the IPL and is facing a lot of off the field issues. So having that backup is crucial for RCB. But they look like a champion side and ready to play.”

On the other hand, Pathan highlighted that captaincy is going to hold the key for Rajasthan Royals after they traded Sanju Samson to CSK. 

“They only have one spot to worry about because the arrival of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja has made a significant difference. It’ll come down to how captaincy works for RR. Captaincy will dictate how the games play out and the kind of atmosphere that prevails,” said Pathan (via the aforementioned source).

Pathan urged the inaugural champions to target a spinner and an experienced fast bowler, who can be a backup for Jofra Archer.

“They’ll need another spinner and preferably another experienced fast-bowler. They’ll need Archer’s back up as he’ll come after playing a lot of cricket. So you’ll need workload management and hence another fast bowler that can bowl fast. They could use Burger as Archer’s backup too. Jadeja’s arrival has lengthened their batting lineup. At 9, they’ll need a spinner. They could go for Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar.”

IPL 2026 auction is likely to be scheduled on December 15.