Veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for their strategic and cost-effective acquisitions at the recently concluded IPL 2026 mini-auction. The off-spinner specifically highlighted the franchise's sharp eye for young talent, which he believes underscores a superior scouting network.
Ashwin Applauds RCB's Scouting Masterstroke
In a detailed review on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed particular admiration for RCB's signings of two promising India Under-19 cricketers. The franchise secured all-rounder Vihaan Malhotra and batter Kanishk Chouhan, both for their base price of Rs 30 lakh each. Both players are currently representing India in the ongoing Men's Under-19 Asia Cup.
"I want to praise and applaud RCB. They have snapped up both Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan at 30 Lakhs. This is scouting of a really good order," Ashwin stated. He further predicted a bright future for Chouhan, adding, "If you do such scouting, then there will not be too much competition. Kanishk Chouhan will go on to do special things."
Winning the Battle for Venkatesh Iyer
Ashwin also pointed to RCB's successful and persistent pursuit of established all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as another auction triumph. RCB managed to acquire Iyer for Rs 7 crore after a intense bidding war, notably with his former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
"How are RCB so lucky at the auction?" Ashwin pondered. "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."
Venkatesh Iyer, who entered the auction with a Rs 2 crore base price, saw bids from Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans before the main contest unfolded between RCB and KKR. The Madhya Pradesh player has 1,468 IPL runs from 56 innings at a strike rate of over 137.
Building Squad Depth with Strategic Buys
Beyond the headline signings, RCB focused on bolstering their squad depth across departments. Their most expensive uncapped Indian buy of the day was left-arm pacer and lower-order batter Mangesh Yadav, secured for Rs 5.2 crore.
The Bengaluru-based franchise also added international flavour by signing England wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox. Staying true to their youth-centric approach, they roped in 18-year-old Satvik Deswal for Rs 30 lakh and added New Zealand pace bowler Jacob Duffy for Rs 2 crore.
The IPL 2026 mini-auction concluded in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, with RCB earning plaudits from one of the game's sharpest tactical minds for a balanced and forward-thinking strategy that blended exciting youth with proven performers.
