Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into IPL 2026 in an unfamiliar but welcome position, as defending champions. After a measured mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, RCB focused more on fine-tuning than rebuilding, adding depth rather than disrupting a title-winning core.
The franchise invested ₹16.25 crore to bring in eight players, blending experience with youth.
Add AllSportsPeople as a preferred news source
With Rajat Patidar continuing as captain and most of last season’s match-winners retained, RCB appear well set. The big question now is how the final XI shapes up and where the new faces slot in.
RCB likely playing XI for IPL 2026
Based on retained players, trades, and auction additions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s likely playing XI shapes up as follows:
Probable Playing XI:
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Josh Hazlewood
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal / Mangesh Yadav
Impact Player options:
- Suyash Sharma (extra batter on batting-friendly surfaces)
- Jacob Duffy (extra bowling option giving pace bowling depth)
RCB batting order
Phil Salt and Virat Kohli should continue as RCB’s first-choice opening pair after their strong partnership last season.
Venkatesh Iyer is expected to slot in at No. 3, offering a left-handed option and extra bowling cover. Captain Rajat Patidar anchors the middle order, with Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Romario Shepherd providing finishing power.
Krunal Pandya’s presence adds balance and flexibility depending on match conditions.
RCB bowling attack
RCB’s pace unit remains a major strength. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar handle the heavy lifting, while Yash Dayal or Mangesh Yadav offer variation.
Suyash Sharma is widely seen as the preferred Impact Player, especially on batting-friendly surfaces, with his leg-spin providing control in the middle overs.
RCB’s squad depth and season outlook
RCB retained 17 players before the auction and were clear about their priorities. The franchise’s biggest buy was Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore, finally landing a player they had aggressively chased last season.
They also added Indian pacer Mangesh Yadav and overseas quick Jacob Duffy to strengthen bowling depth, while keeping faith in the group that delivered the title in 2025.
With continuity across departments and minimal uncertainty, RCB look primed to carry momentum into IPL 2026 and mount a serious title defence.
Related links:
- Who were the biggest gainers at IPL 2026 auction?
- IPL 2026 auction: Most expensive overseas players
- IPL 2026 auction: Most expensive Indian players