IPL 2026 RCB: Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted Playing 11, Squad, Strengths and Weaknesses

Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2026 Preview: Team, Schedule & Playing 11

As the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the 2026 season with a rare sense of stability and the weight of history—specifically, the challenge of becoming only the third team to defend an IPL title. After their historic 2025 victory, the management has doubled down on their winning core while adding tactical depth in the December 2025 mini-auction.

Here is the comprehensive preview for RCB in IPL 2026.

RCB Core Philosophy for IPL 2026

RCB’s team-building approach for 2026 revolves around:

• Strong Indian batting core

• Multi-skill overseas players

• Better death-bowling resources

• Flexible all-rounders to balance the XI

The focus is no longer just on batting firepower but on match control across 20 overs.

RCB Predicted Playing 11 (IPL 2026)

RCB’s strategy for 2026 is built on a “Powerplay Domination” model. The addition of Venkatesh Iyer provides a much-needed left-handed bridge between the explosive openers and the heavy-hitting middle order.

Squad Analysis: Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

• The “Unbeatable” Top 4: With Kohli and Salt opening, followed by Venkatesh Iyer and Patidar, RCB possesses arguably the most balanced top order in the league. They have a mix of right-left combinations and players proficient against both high pace and spin.

• Death Over Muscle: In Tim David and Romario Shepherd, RCB has two of the most feared finishers in the T20 circuit. Their ability to turn a 160-run game into 200 is their biggest asset.

• Experienced Indian Core: Unlike previous years, the local core of Patidar, Bhuvneshwar, Krunal, and Jitesh provides immense tactical maturity.

Weaknesses

• Spin Depth: While Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma are effective, RCB lacks a world-class “mystery” spinner or a primary wicket-taking wrist spinner who can dominate on turning tracks like Chepauk or Ekana.

• The “Hazlewood Dependency”: The pace attack relies heavily on Josh Hazlewood’s fitness. While Jacob Duffy was bought as cover, a mid-season injury to the Australian could expose the younger Indian seamers.

IPL 2026 Schedule (Projected)

The IPL 2026 season is set to run from March 26 to May 31, 2026. While the full match-by-match schedule is typically released in February, RCB’s key windows are:

• The Opener: As defending champions, RCB is expected to host the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 26.

• The Rivalries: High-voltage clashes against Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are tentatively slated for mid-April and early May.

• Expansion: With the league moving to 84 matches this year, RCB will play more home-and-away fixtures, testing their squad depth.

Complete RCB 2026 Squad

Retained Players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (C), Phil Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Rasikh Salam, Jacob Bethell, Abhinandan Singh.

Mini-Auction Buys (Dec 2025):

• Venkatesh Iyer (₹7 Cr)

• Jacob Duffy (₹2 Cr)

• Mangesh Yadav (₹5.2 Cr)

• Jordan Cox (₹75 L)

• Vicky Ostwal (₹30 L)