Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have retained a strong core of 17 players and made targeted additions in the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. For the first time in their history, RCB will enter the IPL season as the defending champions.Here’s a look at RCB’s projected Playing XI and Impact Player for IPL 2026:Virat Kohli: The veteran batsman will continue in his opening role for RCB and will ride on his red-hot IPL form. After crossing the 9000-run milestone, Kohli remains key in providing aggressive starts during the powerplay.
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IPL 2026 should be an audition for India’s next T20I captain Phil Salt: Phil Salt was a key figure in RCB’s title-winning season last year, consistently giving the team explosive starts. However, he could face competition from Jacob Bethell, who has impressed in the T20 World Cup, including a century against India at the Wankhede.Devdutt Padikkal: Devdutt Padikkal is expected to play a key role at No.3 and act as a bridge between the explosive opening pair and the middle order. While he is likely to be the first choice, he will face competition from Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for Rs 7 crore in the auction.Rajat Patidar (C): Rajat Patidar will continue as captain after leading RCB to their historic first IPL title. Along with his leadership, his influence as a strong middle-order batsman will remain vital to the team.Jitesh Sharma (WK): One of RCB’s unsung heroes, Jitesh Sharma played some crucial knocks last season, including an outstanding innings against LSG. He will continue as a keeper and finisher, supporting Tim David and Romario Shepherd in the death overs.Tim David: Tim David will serve as RCB’s primary finisher and lower middle-order power-hitter. With a strike rate hovering around 170-180 in the death overs, he brings stability and firepower to the team.Romario Shepherd: Romario Shepherd’s all-round ability makes him a key asset. He delivered key performances in the playoffs last season with both bat and ball and is expected to provide balance again.Krunal Pandya: All-rounder Krunal Pandya who played a key role in the IPL 2025 final taking 2 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs. Offers perfect balance with both bat and ball. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The ‘King of Swing’ will lead the pace of RCB’s attack, especially in the absence of Josh Hazlewood at the start of the tournament. His power play will be crucial.Yash Dayal: Yash Dayal has been a reliable bowler in all phases for RCB in recent seasons. His role in the powerplay, middle and death overs will be important, although concerns remain as he has not played competitive cricket since IPL 2025 due to legal issues.Jacob Duffy: Jacob Duffy is expected to fill the void left by Josh Hazlewood in the early stages of the tournament. His performances with the new ball will be crucial for the RCB bowling unit.Impact Player: Suyash SharmaSuyash Sharma made a strong impact last season with his wicket-taking ability. His arcane rotation once again makes him a leading candidate for the Impact Player role.
Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) predicted playing XI for IPL 2026
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Romario Shephard
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Jacob Duffy
- Suyash Sharma (impact player)
