Squad analysis: Can RCB defend their IPL title?
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have assembled a strong squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The team, which clinched its maiden title in 2025 under Rajat Patidar's captaincy, made some smart buys at the mini-auction. Owing to the same, their squad looks even more formidable this time with proven performers across all departments. With the 2026 edition being just around the corner, let's analyze the RCB squad.
Strategic approach
RCB's strategy for IPL 2026
For IPL 2026, RCB's strategy revolved around keeping their core squad intact while bringing in a few impactful players. The team signed Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox and a host of young talents like Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, and Kanishk Chouhan at the auction table. These additions are likely to blend well with the current setup ensuring continuity while strengthening key areas.
Batting
A well-rounded batting line-up
RCB's biggest strength is their balanced squad. The core of their title-winning XI remains intact, minimizing the risk of combination issues early in the season. The batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, and Tim David is well-rounded. In Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer - the team also has some strong middle-order options.
All-rounders
Quality players with all-round abilities
RCB also have quality all-rounders like Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd, which helps the team adjust the XI as per the conditions. The former's three-dimensional display was instrumental to RCB's glory last season. Shepherd has also emerged as a strong all-rounder in T20 cricket. Bethell and Venkatesh can also deliver a couple of handy overs - adding options and variety to the bowling attack.
Bowlers
Hazlewood to lead the attack
Veteran pacers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were on a roll last season. The duo is expected to torment batters in the upcoming season as well. In Jacob Duffy and Nuwan Thushara, the team also has some quality overseas pace options. Though Yash Dayal was an important part of RCB's powerplay plans last season, he has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2025.
Concerns
What are the concerns?
While Krunal Pandya offers four overs of quality finger-spin, RCB's lack of wrist-spin depth can hurt them. The team has Suyash Sharma as its main leg-spinner, but there isn't much support beyond him. This could allow opposition batters cruise through the middle phase on high-scoring tracks of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Moreover, their main pacer, Josh Hazlewood, has struggled with injuries throughout his career. The Australian has often missed large chunks of past IPL campaigns due to injuries.
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, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal. Impact player: Suyash Sharma.