Royal Challengers Bengaluru raised eyebrows during the IPL 2026 auction after spending ₹5.2 crore on Mangesh Yadav. However, this was a calculated move. The franchise had a clear plan, and the young left-arm pacer fits perfectly into their squad balance.
RCB were in need of a dependable left-arm fast bowler, especially with uncertainty around Yash Dayal’s availability. They already have multiple right-arm pacers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad. Mangesh can add a left-arm variety to the pace bowling attack.
The 23-year-old left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh has impressed with consistent pace around 140 kmph and strong performances in domestic cricket.
His breakthrough came in the 2025 Madhya Pradesh T20 League, where he picked up 14 wickets in just six matches for Gwalior Cheetahs and won the Player of the Tournament award. He also delivered performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Mangesh Yadav Swung It Quite Late - Mo Bobat
RCB’s decision was not based on numbers alone. The franchise invited him for trials, where he made a strong impact. Director of Cricket Mo Bobat explained why the team rates him highly:
“The other bowler that we rate highly is Mangesh, a left-arm quick. He’s a bit short, but we’ve seen him bowl with good pace. He swings the new ball, and at the trial this week he swung it quite late, which was good to see. He also threatened the stumps a lot. In my view, even at his height, if he plays for us instead of Yash Dayal and maintains that pace and accuracy, he will take wickets.”
A Better Bowling Team Than We Were - Dinesh Karthik
RCB captain Rajat Patidar also emphasized the importance of having a left-arm pacer in the lineup: “I prefer a left-arm pacer because we already have two or three right-arm bowlers. If we get someone similar to Yash Dayal, I would prefer a left-arm fast bowler.”
This confirms that Mangesh is not just a backup option but a tactical inclusion. Meanwhile, mentor Dinesh Karthik pointed out that Mangesh Yadav and Jacob Duffy might start in the playing XI along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“We are going to upgrade our team. We will be a better team with whoever we get. If we get Duffy and Mangesh, that’s a solid upgrade for us. We are a better bowling team than we were, and everything suggests that Mangesh is a starting-level player along with Duffy, considering where Hazlewood is.”
Also read: Chennai Super Kings playing XII picked by ex-India all-rounder; No place for MS Dhoni