In the 2025 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally shed the tag of “the perennial underachiever” by lifting the IPL trophy for the first time. The next season is upon them, so they ought to start refining their squad further.
There are many tradeable opportunities to build good players to fill in weaknesses and depth for the IPL 2026 trade window. following are the three smartly trade-exploring picks from RCB should be looked at in a new light:
1. Abhinav Manohar-the Local Multi-Talent
- Why He Fits In: A native of Bangalore, Abhinav offers exceptional fan appeal and familiarity with home conditions. The added bonus of knowledge he possesses regarding the Chinnaswamy track has given him an edge above others in strategy-building.
- What He Brings: Abhinav, being a right-handed batter with part-time leg-spin skills, made his entry clear with an unbeaten 70* during the played Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The player is under the Sunrisers Hyderabad team, but until now, this brilliant player has not played a consistent score in the IPL.
- Trade Possibility: Sunrisers may have to reshuffle at one point, and RCB can add him to their list of long-term prospects.
2. Glenn Phillips: Middle-Order Muscle
- Why Fits: Powerful end-overs hitters, the hallmark of RCB, will remind fans of fearlessness, which Phillips is just about. Aggressive intent could earn him those prized runs in tough-power overs.
- What He Brings: The New Zealander has played over 250 T20 matches with leagues. Sadly, by IPL standards, he’s played only 8 matches due to intermittent fitness and team issues. His raw potential has recently been refined by a high-cost display in MLC 2025.
- Trade Possibility: By all appearances, Phillips has had a shallow IPL experience and might welcome a change. If RCB puts in its bid before its rivals collect their share, it would land a big-hitting treasure.
3. Mukesh Kumar: Powerplay Game-Changer
- Why He Fits In: Mukesh Kumar’s movement up front makes him a great candidate for the powerplay: RCB’s pace attack has been a constant failure.
- What He Brings: With 77 T20 games under his belt and 83 wickets to his credit, Mukesh combines experience with control. His temperament under pressure and the knack in new-ball wickets would suit RCB’s bowling needs to the hilt.
- Trade Possibility: If Delhi Capitals decide to remodel their core, Mukesh could very well be released, giving RCB a very timely chance to fortify their seam unit.
RCB Trade Blueprint
As such, into a new season, the priority areas for the franchise would be as follows:
- Depth: Strongening the bench with ready-to-play replacements.
- Flexibility: Getting players with dual skills for flexible match-ups.
- Balance: Middle order firepower sharpened, and pace attack consistency honed.
Conclusion
Finishing strength: Glenn Phillips; local depth: Abhinav Manohar; bolstered new-ball attack: Mukesh Kumar. These three can form the triad-making machinery RCB would need to forge a first title within into a legacy of dominance.
Written by RITESH SINGH
