A strong core of 17 players have retained by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and made targeted additions in the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi. As defending champions, RCB will enter an IPL season for the first time in their history.
Predicted playing XI and Impact player for IPL 2026 of RCB:
Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli will continue in his opening role for RCB, riding on his red-hot IPL form. The veteran batter remains critical in providing aggressive begins during the powerplay as he already crossed the 9000-run milestone.
Phil Salt: Last season IPL 2025, Phil Salt was a key figure in title-winning of RCB campaign, consistently providing the explosive begins.
Devdutt Padikkal: Devdutt Padikkal will expected to play at No. 3, acting as the bridge between the opening pair and middle order. He will face competition from Venkatesh Iyer, who was bought for Rs 7 crore in the IPL auction.
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Rajat Patidar (C): After leading RCB to their historic maiden IPL title, Rajat Patidar will continue as captain. He impact as a powerful middle-order batter alongside his captaincy.
Jitesh Sharma (WK): Jitesh Sharma played critical knocks in IPL 2025, including a masterclass performances against LSG. He will continue as wicketkeeper and finisher, helping Romario Shepherd and Tim David in the death overs.
Tim David: Tim David will serve as lower-order power-hitter of RCB. In the death overs, with a strike rate hovering around 170-180, he brings stability and firepower to the finishing efforts of the team.
Romario Shepherd: Romario Shepherd in the last season delivered crucial performances in the playoffs with both bat and ball and is assumed to provide balance once again in IPL 2026.
Krunal Pandya: Krunal Pandya played a key role in the last IPL season final taking 2 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Pace attack of RCB will lead by the “swing King”, especially at the begin of the IPL 2026 in the absence of Josh Hazlewood.
Yash Dayal: In the recent seasons, Yash Dayal has been a reliable all-phase bowler for RCB. His role across powerplay, middle, and death overs will be dominant.
Jacob Duffy: In the early stages of the IPL 2026, Jacob Duffy is assumed to fill the void left by Josh Hazlewood. With the new ball, his performances will be crucial for bowling unit of RCB.
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
With wicket-taking ability of Suyash Sharma, he made a strong impact in the IPL 2025. Due to his mystery spin, he became leading candidate for the Impact Player role once again.
Predicted playing XI of RCB 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).
