Last Updated: May 24, 2026 03:55 PM
RCB booked their Qualifier 1 spot with 18 points from 14 matches. They sit alongside the Gujarat Titans as they train for the IPL 2026 playoffs. But disaster struck during their league match against the Punjab Kings recently.
Their young English opener unfortunately suffered a serious injury on May 17. He scored 11 runs off 7 balls before leaving the field. Medical scans showed a left ring finger injury needing immediate attention.
The 22-year-old won’t play any remaining matches this season. RCB needs to find a sub before the IPL 2026 playoffs begin. Three overseas players remain open as potential signings right now.
- Jonny Bairstow
The 36-year-old English wk-batter brings huge IPL experience with him. Jonny Bairstow played for Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad previously. His career includes 2 centuries and 9 fifties across multiple seasons.
Bairstow scored 85 runs in two matches for MI last season. He went unsold at the 2026 mini-auction surprisingly though. The veteran could provide RCB with solid opening experience during pressure matches.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
The 24-year-old Afghan wk-batter entered the 2026 auction with a Rs 1.50 crore base price. But no franchise picked Rahmanullah Gurbaz despite his explosive batting. He played 19 IPL matches exclusively for KKR.
Gurbaz scored 363 runs across 3 seasons as an aggressive opener. His powerful hitting ability suits T20 cricket perfectly. RCB could use his attacking style during the playoffs.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
The Australian hard-hitting opener went unsold at the 2026 auction. He played 15 IPL matches for Delhi Capitals over two seasons. His 2024 performance looked absolutely great with amazing numbers.
Fraser-McGurk smashed 330 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 199.49! That average of 25.67 came with explosive boundary hitting regularly. But 2025 struggles got him dropped by DC unfortunately.
As a potential replacement for Jacob Bethell, Fraser-McGurk offers the most upside. His strike rate matches what RCB needs during the IPL 2026 playoffs. The young Australian could revive his career with this opportunity!
