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 an IPL season as defending champions.Here’s a look at RCB’s predicted Playing XI and Impact Player for IPL 2026:Virat Kohli: The veteran batter will continue in his opening role for RCB, riding on his red-hot IPL form. Having already crossed the 9000-run milestone, Kohli remains crucial in providing aggressive starts during the powerplay.Phil Salt: Phil Salt was a key figure in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season, consistently giving the team explosive starts. However, he could face competition from Jacob Bethell, who impressed in the T20 World Cup, including a century against India at Wankhede.Devdutt Padikkal: Devdutt Padikkal is expected to play a pivotal role at No. 3, acting as the bridge between the explosive opening pair and the middle order. While he is likely to be the first-choice option, 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 maiden IPL title. Alongside his leadership, his impact as a powerful middle-order batter will remain vital for the team.Jitesh Sharma (WK): One of RCB’s unsung heroes, Jitesh Sharma played crucial knocks last season, including a standout innings against LSG. He will continue as wicketkeeper 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’s finishing efforts.Romario Shepherd: Romario Shepherd’s all-round abilities make him a key asset. He delivered crucial performances in the playoffs last season with both bat and ball and is expected to provide balance once 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. He offers perfect balance with both bat and ball. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The “swing king” will lead RCB’s pace attack, especially in the absence of Josh Hazlewood at the start of the tournament. His powerplay bowling will be vital.Yash Dayal: Yash Dayal has been a reliable all-phase bowler for RCB in recent seasons. His role across powerplay, middle, and death overs will be important, although concerns remain as he hasn’t 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 RCB’s bowling unit.Impact Player: Suyash SharmaSuyash Sharma made a strong impact last season with his wicket-taking ability. His mystery spin makes him a leading candidate for the Impact Player role once again.
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)
