IPL 2026 Auction: 3 uncapped options that RCB have over Swastik Chikara

Published - 08 Dec 2025, 17:23 IST | Updated - 08 Dec 2025, 17:27 IST

While there is no doubt over the raw talent and abilities that Swastik Chikara has as an up-and-coming batter. In fact, the Ghaziabad-born has drawn the attention of two top-tier IPL franchises like Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Chikara, despite being a hard-hitting batter, could not find a spot in the Playing XI for the entire season with RCB’s victorious season in 2025, since the side had a very power-packed line-up among the finishers, including Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David.

Now for the 2026 season, Chikara has been released by RCB and the defending champions will be looking out for an uncapped player as his replacement. However, getting a batter may not be a suitable choice, as the side wants more all-rounders and bowlers as the perfect backups to their core squad. Today, CricTracker lists down three such uncapped cricketers who can be picked by the Rajat Patidar-led squad at the IPL 2026 auction, set to take place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The slow left-arm orthodox spin of Manav Suthar has made a rapid rise into the ranks of the Indian domestic set-up. With his skilled bowling, offering variations, and taking wickets at crucial stages, Suthar has the skills to play the perfect spin-bowling strength for the Bengaluru-based franchise. The Sri Ganganagar-born also has the ability to provide some runs with the bat, especially when the team is in a dire need.

The 23-year-old, as a result, provides the best replacement for someone like Krunal Pandya if the star all-rounder gets injured or is not available to take part due to unprecedented reasons. He also has shared the dressing room with the Gujarat Titans set-up in 2024, but got only one match, where he had a forgettable maiden outing.