IPL 2026 Trade Window: With the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaching and the trade window now open, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have the perfect opportunity to fix the issues that troubled them in IPL 2025. While both teams struggled in the death overs, they also have unique gaps that need addressing.
A closer look at their performances last season shows:
RCB leaked too many runs in the powerplay and could use an Indian middle-order enforcer to stabilize the innings. CSK struggled with scoring in the middle overs and lacked a batter who could hit quick runs early in the innings.
Here’s what each team really needs:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Powerplay specialist: A left-arm new-ball bowler who can control the run rate and take early wickets.
- Death-over bowler: Someone reliable in the 18th-20th overs to stop big overs from leaking.
- Middle-order Indian batter: A finisher who can rotate strike and maintain overseas flexibility.
Chennai Super Kings
- Top-order power-hitter plus keeper: CSK needs a batter who can hit early and reduce the dot-ball pressure in the powerplay.
- Finisher: A middle-to-lower-order batter who can take the load off veterans like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
- Death-over partner for Pathirana: Another bowler to strengthen the bowling attack in crunch overs.
Possible Trades to Solve Problems
Khaleel Ahmed and Jitesh Sharma
Khaleel Ahmed joins RCB as a left-arm powerplay specialist, addressing their early overs woes. Jitesh Sharma moves to CSK as a top-order batter and potential wicketkeeping option, paving the way for the post-Dhoni phase.
Nathan Ellis and Romario Shepherd
Nathan Ellis provides RCB with a death-over specialist, who can bowl yorkers and control runs in crunch moments. Romario Shepherd strengthens CSK’s middle/lower order as a finisher and part-time bowler, similar to past CSK players like Dwayne Bravo.
Nuwan Thushara and Shivam Dube
Nuwan Thushara becomes Pathirana’s death-over partner for CSK, creating a fearsome Sri Lankan duo at the end of innings. Shivam Dube gives RCB the middle-order muscle, a batter who can rotate strike and play powerful shots in the middle overs, helping to control the game.
The Ideal Scenario
While it’s unlikely that all these trades will happen exactly as outlined, this combination represents an ideal blueprint for both franchises. If executed well, these moves could not only fix their weaknesses but also put them in contention for the IPL 2026.
The trade window offers teams a rare chance to balance their squads, plug gaps, and give themselves the best chance to dominate in the upcoming season. For RCB and CSK fans, the next few weeks could be just as exciting off the field as the cricketing action itself.
