Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has expressed strong confidence in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), calling them one of the most well-balanced and settled sides heading into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini auction. With the auction scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, attention has firmly shifted to team combinations, remaining purses, and the strategies franchises will adopt as they prepare for the new season.
Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel Ash ki Baat, praised RCB’s recruitment and retention strategy, specifically highlighting the additions of power-hitters Tim David and Romario Shepherd. The duo, known for their ability to clear the ropes with ease, are expected to bring significant firepower to RCB’s middle and lower order.
“RCB have caught Tim David at his peak, and Romario Shepherd is also getting there. Shepherd was in his elements against New Zealand recently, his bowling is also getting better now. You are probably talking about the next generation’s Andre Russell. RCB have taken them both, and have the power in the end. So, Virat Kohli can take all the time that he needs. If he scores 80 off 50, even then RCB are in a great position,” Ashwin said.
After completing the retention process, RCB enter the IPL 2026 mini auction with Rs.16.40 crore remaining in their purse and eight available slots, including room for overseas additions. The defending champions have retained 17 players, six of whom are overseas cricketers. Their core remains strong, and their batting unit—led by Virat Kohli—appears firmly settled.
Ashwin believes that RCB’s remaining focus at the auction should be strengthening their pace options rather than tinkering with the batting order. “RCB can maybe look for some fast bowling back-ups, but they are the most settled team in the South. Their batting order is set. Virat Kohli will obviously come in with a lot of energy, a lot of fire because he is getting a lot of breaks these days,” he added.
Kohli, who played a crucial role in RCB’s successful IPL 2025 campaign by finishing as their leading run-scorer, is expected to be central to their title defence. However, the team recently suffered a setback with captain Rajat Patidar ruled out for around four months due to a serious injury sustained while representing India A.
Meanwhile, Ashwin himself announced his retirement from Indian cricket and the IPL earlier this year after turning out for Chennai Super Kings last season. As the countdown to the mini auction begins, RCB’s blend of experience, explosive hitting, and settled structure positions them as one of the most watchable teams ahead of IPL 2026.
