Royal Challengers Bengaluru are entering uncharted territory. For the first time in their IPL history, they are not chasing a title but defending one. The narrative has reversed. The pressure is felt differently. And expectations are harder.
Only two teams in the history of the tournament have managed to advance against each other. Chennai Super Kings did it in 2010 and 2011, while Mumbai Indians followed with titles in 2019 and 2020. That’s the benchmark RCB is up against now.
Read the full story
Last season it worked because everything clicked. Roles were clear, contributions were collective, and most importantly, they held their nerve at key moments. This structure remains largely intact until IPL 2026, with most of the winning core retained.
The numbers emphasize how complete they were. RCB took 27 wickets in PowerPlay, the most in IPL 2025, while conceding just 8.73 runs per over, the best in the phase. Away from home, their batting hit 163.72, second only to Punjab Kings.
Phil Salt set the tone at the top with a strike rate of 180.76. Jitesh Sharma finished the game at 224.24 while skipper Rajat Patidar held the middle together at 170.75. Amidst all the aggression, Virat Kohli played a stabilizing role, averaging 99.25 in away matches. Virat Kohli had an exceptional IPL 2025. (PTI Photo)
But IPL 2026 begins with a slight shift in the balance. Josh Hazlewood, who has given RCB control of the ball (10 wickets, 7.27 economy), is unlikely to play soon due to fitness concerns. That in itself changes how this team works.
And therein lies the real challenge, not just to win again, but to keep it.
IPL 2026: RCB POWERS
RCB’s biggest strength is continuity. This is not a party looking for combinations, this is one that already knows them.
The plating unit covers all stages. Kohli anchors, Salt strikes early and Patidar provides stability in the middle. The finishing duo of Tim David and Jitesh gives them one of the most explosive back ends in the league.
David in particular was devastating at the death last season, hitting 203.22, while Romario Shepherd offered a dual advantage with both bat and ball, hitting 291.66 and taking key wickets, including one in the final.
Versatile depth adds another layer. Krunal Pandya, Shepherd and others allow RCB to adapt depending on the conditions without breaking the core structure. Krunal Pandya will be the key to RCB’s record in IPL 2026. (PTI Photo)
With the ball, at full strength, RCB are among the most disciplined units. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dominated PowerPlay and set up games early.
Above all, it is now a party that knows how to close. That confidence, built in a title-winning season, isn’t easy to replicate, but it’s a clear advantage.
IPL 2026: RCB’S WEAKNESS
The immediate concern is the bowling balance without Hazlewood.
RCB are losing not only wickets but also control across the phases. The onus now falls heavily on Bhuvneshwar to lead the charge, especially at Chinnaswamy where margins are minimal.
Backup options bring uncertainty. Jacob Duffy has strong numbers worldwide, 23 PowerPlay wickets from 2025, but has struggled in Indian conditions. Rasikh Dar Salam did not have a strong IPL 2025 and Mangesh Yadav is still untested at this level.
The middle order, while explosive, is high risk. If early wickets fall, RCB may find themselves exposed.
Spin is another area that lacks depth behind Suyash Sharma, especially on slower surfaces.
RCB IPL 2026 FULL SQUAD
Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Abhiynan, Jacobte, Nuwansh, Thuste Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Kanishk Chouhan, Jordan Cox, Vihaan Malhotra
RCB IPL 2026 RETENTION
Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Abhinan Shara, Nuwan Thening
RCB IPL 2026 AUCTION WILL BUY
Venkatesh Iyer
Jacob Duffy
Mangesh Yadav
Satvik Deswal
Vicky Ostwal
Kanishk Chouhan
Jordan Cox
I hate Malhotra
IPL 2026: 3 RCB PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Jacob Duffy: Duffy’s PowerPlay record 23 wickets from 2025 stands out as cover for Hazlewood. But the bigger question is adaptation. Can he break the Indian conditions where he has struggled before?
Mangesh Yadav: The 23-year-old is seen as a direct replacement for Yash Dayal. He brings pace, swing and some all-round value, but this will be his first real test at the IPL level.
Jacob Bethell: One of the most interesting selection calls. Bethell’s stock has soared, 280 runs in the 2026 T20 World Cup at odds of 152.17, along with centuries in Tests and ODIs. But including him in this XI is not easy. Playing him on top means dropping Salt. Putting him in the middle means sacrificing either Tim David’s finishing or Shepherd’s all-around balance. His presence gives RCB options but also a selection headache.
RCB PREDICTED GAME XI
Phil Salt
Virat Kohli
Devdutt Padikkal / Venkatesh Iyer
Rajat Patidar (c)
Liam Bethell / Romario Shepherd
Jitesh Sharma (week)
Krunal Pandya
Tim David
Suyash Sharma
Mangesh Yadav
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Jacob Duffy
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
27 March 2026 21:00 IST
