IPL 2026: Predicting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) strongest playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year-long wait for an IPL title by winning the trophy for the first time in 2025. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, they created history, and heading into the 2026 season, RCB will aim to defend their crown.

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At the top of the order, the opening combination is expected to remain unchanged, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt continuing as openers. All eyes will once again be on Kohli, who will lead the batting line-up with his experience and consistency. At number three, skipper Patidar will be a key figure.

At number four, RCB are likely to hand the responsibility to their new acquisition, Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer had a forgettable IPL 2025 season despite being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a record INR 23.75 crore and being named their vice-captain. KKR eventually chose not to retain him, but RCB showed faith by picking him up for INR 7 crore. 

While Iyer is expected to bat in the middle order, RCB could also be tempted to use him as an opener. That scenario raises an interesting question about Kohli’s batting position and whether he could return to number three.

RCB also boast two of the world’s best finishers in Australia’s Tim David and West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd. Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma will take up the gloves and is expected to continue playing the finisher’s role, as he did in 2025 with several crucial late-order cameos.

The pace attack will once again feature Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. All three played vital roles in RCB’s title-winning campaign and are expected to remain the backbone of the bowling unit. In the spin department, all-rounder Krunal Pandya will be relied upon to deliver impactful spells, as well as contribute with the bat if required.

Young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma could be used as an impact player option, depending on match situations and pitch conditions. Meanwhile, attention will also be on New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy. He could play an important role if there are fitness concerns around Hazlewood, especially after the Aussie fast bowler missed the ongoing five-match Ashes series due to injury concerns.      

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Here is the predicted strongest XI for RCB for the IPL 2026

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

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