Tue Dec 16 16:45:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on the information provided:

Summary:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a busy IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, bolstering their squad after winning their maiden IPL title earlier in the year. Their key acquisition was Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore, winning a bidding war against several other teams. They also added New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy for Rs 2 crore, along with several other players. RCB retained their core players like Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar. They released several players to make space for the new additions.

News Article:

RCB Bolster Squad with Iyer and Duffy in IPL 2026 Auction Spree

Abu Dhabi: Fresh off their historic IPL 2026 title win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made significant moves in the mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi. The franchise’s biggest acquisition was Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, secured for a sum of Rs 7 crore after a fierce bidding war.

Iyer, a Madhya Pradesh teammate of RCB captain Rajat Patidar, was pursued aggressively by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans initially, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also joining the fray before RCB ultimately sealed the deal.

RCB also added New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy to their roster for his base price of Rs 2 crore.

The additions compliment RCB’s already strong core, which includes retained stars Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar.

Full List of RCB’s Auction Acquisitions:

  • Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 7 crore)
  • Jacob Duffy (Rs 2 crore)
  • Satvik Deswal (Rs 30 lakh)
  • Mangesh Yadav (Rs 5.2 crore)
  • Jordan Cox (Rs 75 lakh)
  • Vicky Ostwal (Rs 30 lakh)
  • Vihaan Malhotra (Rs 30 lakh)
  • Kanishk Chouhan (Rs 30 lakh)

Current RCB Squad:

Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan

Released Players:

Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Liam Livingstone, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee.

RCB will be looking to build on their championship-winning momentum in the upcoming IPL season with their strengthened squad.

Read More