IPL 2026: Who all make it to RCB's best XI?
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will enter the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season as defending champions for the first time in their history. After winning their maiden title in 2025, the franchise has retained the core of the squad. They also made some smart buys at the auction table. Under captain Rajat Patidar and head coach Andy Flower, RCB would be raring to retain their title. On this note, let's dissect the team's best XI for the 2026 season.
Openers
Kohli to open with Salt
The backbone of RCB's batting lineup is still the talismanic Virat Kohli, who happens to be the leading run-getter in IPL history. He will be partnered by the explosive Phil Salt, who provided some blistering starts during RCB's 2025 campaign. Patidar, who is known for his mastery against spin-bowling, will be the number three in this line-up. The RCB skipper can torment the slow bowlers in the middle overs.
Middle order strength
Middle order packs a punch
It will be a toss-up between Venkatesh Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal for the number four spot. The latter is likely to get a got in the initial matches as he was on a roll in the 2025-26 domestic season. Spin-bowling all-rounder Krunal Pandya should be the next name in the line-up. His three-dimensional display was instrumental to RCB's glory last season.
Finishers
Will Bethell get a go?
Vice-captain and the first-choice wicket-keeper of the team, Jitesh Sharma would be next in the XI. He will share the finishing duties with Tim David and Romario Shepherd, who are known to change the course of game within few balls. The latter will also have to contribute with his pace bowling. However, this leaves little room for young sensation Jacob Bethell who shone in England's semi-final against India.
Bowling strategy
Pace attack features Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
RCB's spin department is designed to defend totals rather than just contain runs. Suyash Sharma will partner Krunal in this department. The pace attack will be led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ensuring experience at both ends of the innings. However, Yash Dayal's participation remains uncertain due to allegations of sexual exploitation against him. Rasikh Salam Dar would be the first-choice pick if Dayal is unavailable.
Information
A look at RCB's best playing XI
A look at RCB's best XI for IPL 2026: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal/Rasikh Salam Dar. Impact player: Suyash Sharma.