Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) — IPL 2026 Preview
A New Chapter After a Historic Win
After an unforgettable IPL 2025 season, where RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy, the franchise enters the IPL 2026 campaign as defending champions — a first in their history. That triumph has reshaped expectations and placed enormous spotlight on how RCB will approach the 2026 auction and squad planning.
Auction & Retention Strategy
RCB came into the 2026 IPL auction with a deliberately measured purse after smart releases that trimmed big contracts and created space for targeted reinforcements.
Retentions & Releases
RCB retained key pillars such as Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt and other core contributors from their title-winning squad.
They released several high-profile or underperforming players — including Liam Livingstone, Mayank Agarwal, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee and Rasikh Salam — to free up space and redefine team balance.
This strategy showed RCB prioritised team balance and roles over headline splashes.
Smart Auction Buys (IPL 2026)
At the auction, RCB were selective but strategic, adding players that complement their core while enhancing depth:
Key Acquisitions
Venkatesh Iyer (₹7 cr) – Indian all-rounder providing batting opportunity in middle order and bowling flexibility.
Mangesh Yadav (₹5.2 cr) – Promising uncapped all-round talent with death-over bowling upside.
- Jacob Duffy (₹2 cr) – New Zealand pacer adding variation and overseas bowling depth.
- Jordan Cox, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan – Younger talents to bolster squad rotation and future planning.
Together with retained stars like Kohli, Salt, Patidar, Padikkal, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB’s roster now blends experience with rising talents.
Probable XI for IPL 2026
Here’s how RCB might line up on most match days — assuming fitness and conditions:
Starting XI (Probable)
- Virat Kohli (Batter)
- Phil Salt (Opener)
- Devdutt Padikkal (Batting Anchor)
- Rajat Patidar (Captain/Middle Order)
- Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper/Batter)
- Tim David (Finisher/All-rounder)
- Krunal Pandya (All-rounder)
- Venkatesh Iyer (All-rounder)
- Romario Shepherd (Pace All-rounder)
- Josh Hazlewood (Pace Bowler)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Death Bowling Specialist)
Bench/Backup:
Jacob Duffy, Mangesh Yadav, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Satvik Deswal, Jordan Cox, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal.
This XI balances firepower upfront with depth in batting and a mix of pace options — right through to experienced finishers.
Winning Probability & Predictions
Here’s how RCB stacks up as contenders:
Strengths
Title mindset – Defending champions have confidence and experience in high-pressure playoffs.
Balanced squad – Skilled top order, versatile finishers and a blend of fast bowling options.
Smart investment – Added utility players without overspending on one marquee, helping team harmony.
Concerns
No single standout spin threat; IPL conditions often reward strong spin attacks.
Dependence on Kohli and Salt’s form; early failures could put pressure on middle order.
Iyer and Young talents are exciting but carry uncertainty.
Winning Chance
Given their championship pedigree + depth + stability, RCB are strong contenders in IPL 2026 — likely to reach playoffs and potentially defend the title. However, competition is fierce with teams like CSK, MI, and KKR also building potent sides.
Analysts broadly see RCB as a top-4 team, with their winning probability enhanced if the batting unit clicks consistently and bowlers execute in crunch moments. (estimated qualitatively based on squad strength and recent trends)
Final Thoughts
RCB’s IPL 2026 journey is not just about defending a title, but about proving that their 2025 success wasn’t a one-off. With a thoughtfully constructed squad, a mix of seasoned stars and hungry youngsters, and a leadership core geared for pressure, RCB’s campaign promises excitement — and real chances of back-to-back glory.
