Mohammad Kaif names players RCB can target in IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif reckons defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru can look to buy back England all-rounder Liam Livingstone in IPL 2026 auction. Livingstone scored 122 runs in eight innings of IPL 2025 at an average of 16 and a strike rate of 133.33. The England International scalped two wickets in five innings of the previous season.

RCB retained a total of 17 players ahead of the retention deadline but decided to release Liam Livingstone. Kaif also believes RCB can look to buy Akash Madhwal in the auction as the right-arm pacer can get the ball to reverse.

“I think they can buy back Liam Livingstone as well. I think the reason to leave him would be to have some money because half of their remaining purse was on him. So at least they can run behind a player or two. He can be your third spinner if they play in Pune. They do have four fixed foreigners in the starting 11 but if they get him for a lesser price, they can keep him in the squad. If they need a third spinner, Romario Shepherd can sit and he can play as a third spinner,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

“I think RCB should go behind Madhwal. He was not used well last season. He played very few games. If he is fully fit, then they should go for him. If they get a dry pitch, then he can bring the ball back in, which is his strength.”

Madhwal scalped four wickets in four matches he played for RR in IPL 2025 but he was released by the inaugural champions.

On the other hand, the former UP batter said the reigning champions can also target Ravi Bishnoi, who has been released by Lucknow Super Giants. Kaif said RCB can also target players like David Miller and Karn Sharma.

“They can go for Bishnoi also. Maybe he will go for a lesser price than last time. If Miller comes in their range then okay. But he will still sit out even if they buy him. Tim David is ahead now and he will play first. Miller can be as a backup then. It is important to have a full squad in a long tournament. Smart teams take backup planning also seriously. Karn Sharma can also be an option,” he said.

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