Royal Challengers Bengaluru is facing a bit of a hurdle in their preparations for IPL 2026, as their star finisher Tim David is dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. This injury has already kept him out of the current Big Bash League (BBL) season. The talented Australian all-rounder, who was retained by RCB after making a significant impact in IPL 2025, suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain on December 26, 2025, during a match where the Hobart Hurricanes triumphed over the Perth Scorchers. He had to leave the field after scoring 42 runs off 28 balls. This is actually the second time in 2025 that he’s faced such an issue, having previously missed two months and crucial playoff games with RCB due to a similar injury during IPL 2025. While the usual recovery time for a Grade 2 strain is about 4-6 weeks which could conveniently coincide with the T20 World Cup in early 2026 any complications might extend his rehab to 12 weeks, putting his availability for IPL in late March in jeopardy. Meanwhile, franchise scouts are on the lookout for versatile all-rounders who can replicate his skill set and powerful hitters who can also bowl to strengthen the squad, especially with the need for overseas pace backups. Mahipal Lomror Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror is shaping up to be a smart, budget-friendly choice for domestic cricket. He’s racked up 527 runs at an impressive strike rate of 141.28 over 40 IPL matches with the RR and RCB teams, boasting a top score of 54* and hitting 30 sixes along the way. While he’s only taken one wicket with his left-arm spin, it’s clear that his real strength lies in batting especially in recent domestic T20s where he’s been a game-changer in the middle order. With his history of being retained by RR and a brief stint with RCB, he’s a low-risk, high-reward option for teams looking to bolster their Indian talent. As a cost-effective pick (probably under INR 1 crore), Lomror allows teams to save money for star players while still delivering those thrilling sixes at Chinnaswamy. His versatile skills remind us of David’s all-round utility, ensuring that RCB remains competitive even if the Australian is absent from IPL 2026. Also Read | Explained: Why BPL Matches Were Postponed on December 30 Michael Bracewell Michael Bracewell, the all-rounder from New Zealand, is quickly proving to be a perfect match for RCB. He’s already made quite an impression in just five IPL games, scoring 58 runs with an impressive strike rate of 123.40 and taking six wickets with an economy of 8.63. In his T20I career, he has racked up 458 runs at a striking 138.6 rate, including a top score of 61, along with 20 wickets at an average of 17.85, showcasing his powerful left-handed batting and effective off-spin bowling. His recent performances in the Vitality Blast (91 runs and seven wickets) and Major League Cricket (241 runs at a strike rate of 128.19) highlight his skills in the crucial death overs, making him a great fit for the demands of RCB at Chinnaswamy. Having previously played for RCB means Bracewell won’t need much time to adjust, and his experience in international matches against teams like India and Sri Lanka gives him a strategic advantage. With a projected base price of under INR 2 crore, he represents a smart investment for RCB, allowing them to fill their overseas slots without stretching their budget too thin. Wiaan Mulder Wiaan Mulder from South Africa brings a fierce T20 energy to the game, racking up 646 runs at an impressive strike rate of 137.15 over 33 SA20 matches, including three fifties and taking 10 wickets. His performance in the Vitality Blast is equally solid, with 546 runs at a strike rate of 131.25 and 12 wickets to his name, showing he can deliver consistently. Although his brief stint in the IPL with SRH saw him score just 9 runs, it suggests there’s still a lot of potential waiting to be tapped in the franchise format. As a right-handed batsman, he fits the mold of a finisher like David, and his medium-pace bowling, with an economy rate around 9 in T20s, adds a nice balance to the team especially on those spin-friendly Indian pitches. With limited exposure in IPL 2026, Mulder could turn out to be a steal for any overseas team, giving RCB the chance to keep spots open for pace bowlers like Josh Hazlewood’s backups. His explosive performance in SA20, where he hit 26 sixes, makes him a great high-upside option if David doesn’t perform.