Irfan Pathan says RCB can target Akash Madhwal in IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan said defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru can target Akash Madhwal in the upcoming IPL 2026 mini auction. Pathan praised the right-arm pacer for his ability to hit the blockhole.

Madhwal scalped four wickets in four matches he played for RR in IPL 2025 but he was released by the inaugural champions.

In IPL 2024, Madhwal scalped five wickets in five matches for Mumbai Indians. The right-arm pacer had hogged the limelight as he had scalped 14 wickets in eight matches of IPL 2023 at an average of 15.64 and economy rate of 8.58.

“Akash Madhwal is a young bowler. When he played for Mumbai, he brought a lot of excitement. He used to bowl a very good yorker. The yorker is his biggest strength,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.

“If proper faith is shown in him to bowl two or three overs in the end, he can emerge as an incredible bowler. RCB won’t be a bad option because he is a bowler who bowls a very good yorker, and you will need someone like that,” he added.

On the other hand, Pathan said Akash Deep can be best utilised with the new ball in the Powerplay overs as he bowls with an upright seam position.

“If we talk about Akash Deep, his seam remains extremely straight. If any team knows how to use him well with the new ball, they can go after him. He is an excellent new-ball bowler. His ball zips through onto the bat after pitching and he gets late movement. His quality with the new ball is the most,” he said.

Former chief selector MSK Prasad said Sunrisers Hyderabad can look to target Akash Deep after they released Mohammed Shami.

“SunRisers Hyderabad have released Mohammad Shami. So they might opt for Akash Deep because those surfaces, especially with the new ball, might suit Akash Deep sort of a bowler,” he observed.

The IPL 2026 auction is all set to take center stage on December 16, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.