IPL Auction 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru buy promising Indian all-rounder Magnesh Yadav for Rs 5.2 cr

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered one of the biggest shocks by splurging Rs 5.2 crore on uncapped all-rounder Mangesh Yadav. Entering the accelerated round with a modest base price of Rs 30 lakh, the Madhya Pradesh cricketer suddenly found himself at the centre of a fierce bidding war between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad, one that Bengaluru eventually won.

Mangesh Yadav is a left-handed fast-bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh and has previously shared the dressing room with RCB captain Rajat Patidar in domestic cricket. His association with Patidar, coupled with impressive performances in local T20 leagues, appears to have worked strongly in his favour.

Power Down the Order, Pace with the Ball

Known for his ability to clear the ropes effortlessly in the lower order, Mangesh has shown flashes of brilliance this season. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he has scored 28 runs in a single innings at a strike rate of 233.33 and also picked up three wickets from two matches.

While his bowling in SMAT was expensive conceding 47 and 38 runs his earlier exploits in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League made a strong impression.

Also Read: IPL 2026 auction: MI reunite Rohit Sharma-De Kock duo in smart Rs 1 cr deal

MP T20 League: The Game-Changer

Playing for Gwalior Cheetahs, Mangesh was outstanding, picking up 14 wickets in just six matches at an excellent average of 12. Those numbers were enough to convince RCB to make a bold investment.

RCB’s Auction Picks So Far

RCB have signed four players at the IPL 2026 auction:

Venkatesh Iyer – Rs 7 crore

Mangesh Yadav – Rs 5.2 crore

Jacob Duffy – Rs 2 crore

Satvik Deswal – Rs 30 lakh

Mangesh Yadav may be an unexpected name, but RCB’s Rs 5.2 crore gamble signals belief in his raw potential. If he translates domestic promise into IPL performances, this surprise pick could turn into one of the steals of the season.