Mangesh Yadav was an unexpected pick from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the franchise shelled out a massive amount of Rs 5.2 crore. They won the bidding war against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the accelerated round of IPL 2026 auction, even as the cricketer's base price was only Rs 30 lakh. For the unversed, Mangesh is a Madhya Pradesh all-rounder and has played with Rajat Patidar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Mangesh is a left-handed fast bowling all-rounder who can tonk the ball at will down the order. In two matches played this year at the SMAT, he has so far scored 28 runs in only one innings at a brilliant strike rate of 233.33 and also picked up three wickets. However, Mangesh made the right noises at the Madhya Pradesh T20 League earlier this year while playing for Gwalior Cheetahs alongside Rajat Patidar, picking up 14 wickets in just six matches at an impeccable average of 12.
However, his bowling in the two matches played in SMAT didn't go to plan, conceding 47 and 38 runs. However, his exploits in the MP T20 League were enough for RCB to shell out Rs 5.2 crore for him.
Which players did RCB pick in IPL 2026 auction?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have picked four players so far, including Mangesh Yadav and their most expensive buy turned out to be Venkatesh Iyer. They spent Rs 7 crore for the Madhya Pradesh all-rounder, winning the bidding war against Lucknow Super Giants, Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders.
They also made a brilliant pick in the form of New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy, securing his services for Rs 2 crore.
RCB's picks in IPL 2026 auction
Venkatesh Iyer - Rs 7 crore
Jacob Duffy - Rs 2 crore
Satvik Deswal - Rs 30 lakh
Mangesh Yadav - Rs 5.2 crore
