Ashwin breaks down RCB's luck and strategy at IPL Auction 2026

NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin showered praise on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their astute buys at the IPL 2026 mini auction, singling out the signings of Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan, both snapped up for Rs 30 lakh.



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According to Ashwin, the moves underlined the franchise’s strong scouting network, and he backed Chouhan to go on and achieve big things in the future. Both Chouhan and Malhotra are currently part of the India Under-19 squad competing in the ongoing Men’s Asia Cup. The IPL 2026 mini auction wrapped up in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.



"I want to praise and applaud RCB. They have snapped both Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan at 30 Lakhs. This is scouting of a really good order. If you do such scouting, then there will not be too much competition. Kanishk Chouhan will go on to do special things," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin also highlighted RCB’s successful pursuit of Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore, despite competition from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and felt the franchise enjoyed another strong auction.

"How are RCB so lucky at the auction? Last time they went all out for Venkatesh Iyer, if KKR had pulled out back then, RCB's auction would have been over there itself. This time, even when KKR had the money, RCB were able to secure him for 7 crore. RCB have once again had a fabulous auction," he added.

Venkatesh Iyer entered the auction with a base price of Rs 2 crore, with Lucknow Super Giants initiating the bidding before Gujarat Titans joined in. The contest intensified once his former franchise, KKR, stepped in. While RCB and KKR went head-to-head for the all-rounder, RCB eventually sealed the deal.

The MP all-rounder has scored 1,468 runs in 56 IPL innings at an average of 29.12 and a strike rate exceeding 137, including one century and 12 half-centuries. He had been bought back by KKR for Rs 23.75 crore last season but endured a lean campaign, managing 142 runs in seven innings with just one fifty.

RCB also bolstered their squad depth by signing left-arm pacer and lower-order batter Mangesh Yadav for Rs 5.2 crore, making him the fourth-most expensive uncapped Indian buy of the day. The franchise further added firepower by bringing in England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox.

Continuing their focus on youth, RCB secured 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for Rs 30 lakh and also roped in New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy for Rs 2 crore.



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