Royal Challengers Bengaluru (PTI Photo/Sailendra Bhojak) Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title defense very early, insisting that the franchise has assembled a squad capable of adding another IPL crown in the next few seasons. After ending their 17-year title drought in 2025, RCB enter IPL 2026 with the weight of expectations and pressures that come with being the defending champions.In the 2025 mega auction, RCB retained only Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal before rebuilding their roster. The overhaul brought in key additions like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, giving the side a more balanced structure that delivered the franchise’s long-awaited first IPL trophy.
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Winning depth in the RCB team
Taking to his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised the balance and depth of the squad, noting that he no longer relies on just one or two stars. “RCB can add another title in the next two years with this team. Winning the IPL is not easy, but the building blocks they have, the kind of replacements they have,” he said.Ashwin highlighted how RCB had addressed previous gaps in their combination. “The way they solved the holes in the combination. That’s a good package for us to finish in the top two,” he said.Over the years, RCB have been criticized for depending too much on star power. A post-auction rebuild changed that perception. The batting is now more flexible, the pace assets are stronger and each player has a clearer role in the team.
Foreign power and Hazlewood’s absence
Ashwin termed RCB’s overseas contingent as one of the best in the tournament. “In Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, it’s probably the best four foreigners you can get and it’s one of the best in the tournament,” he said.Although Josh Hazlewood’s injury has made his availability uncertain for the start of IPL 2026, Ashwin believes it could work in RCB’s favour. “Honestly, it’s a boon for RCB. If they don’t have Hazlewood and they’re worried about Salt’s form, both Salt and Bethell can play. And when Hazlewood comes back, you’ll have a clearer idea of their form and you can change depending on that,” he said.Ashwin also noted the flexibility of the bowling attack. “If the bowling runs a lot, they can leave Mangesh Yadav out and bring in Jacob Duffy or Hazlewood when he is fit. They have a team that can conquer the home conditions and handle the ups and downs with bat and ball,” he said.
Ahwin’s RCB probable XI (given Hazlewood is unavailable):
Virat Kohli – Phil Salt – Jacob Bethell – Rajat Patidar – Jitesh Sharma – Tim David – Romario Shepherd – Krunal Pandya – Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Mangesh Yadav – Yash Dayal – Suyash Sharma (Impact Sub)With this combination of experience and overseas firepower, Ashwin believes RCB are well-equipped to defend their title and remain among the front-runners in IPL 2026.
