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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had a productive time at the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on Tuesday, December 16. The defending champions picked eight players at the event with a good blend of youth and experience.
Having won the title during the previous campaign, RCB's playing XI is expected to wear a settled look. There are a couple of questions though, with the think tank suggesting that a decision might be taken closer to the start of the season.
RCB's squad for IPL 2026: Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Nuwan Thushara, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Vihaan Malhotra (INR 30 lakh), Jordan Cox (INR 75 lakh), Venkatesh Iyer (INR 7 Cr), Satvik Deswal (INR 30 lakh), Mangesh Yadav (INR 5.20 Cr), Vicky Ostwal (INR 30 lakh), Kanishk Chouhan (INR 30 lakh), Jacob Duffy (INR 2 Cr).
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On that note, here is RCB's strongest playing XI and impact player options after the IPL 2026 auction.
Openers: Phil Salt and Virat Kohli
Phil Salt and Virat Kohli were arguably IPL 2025's best opening combination. The duo are expected to take first strike for RCB once again, with Jacob Bethell serving as the former's backup at the top of the order. There's little doubt regarding these spots.
Middle Order: Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya
Devdutt Padikkal had a few valuable knocks for RCB during IPL 2025 as he showcased improved power-hitting and intent. However, it was clear that the young southpaw wasn't a finished version.
Venkatesh Iyer could thus replace him at No. 3 during IPL 2026. More experienced and more well-rounded at this point in time, the former Kolkata Knight Riders man could be the final piece of the RCB batting puzzle.
The rest of the middle order won't change. Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, all of whom had important roles to play in the side's run to the title, will take up those spots. Krunal Pandya, who was also spectacular, will round off the batting unit.
Lower Order: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the RCB bowling unit well during IPL 2025. Jacob Duffy will probably be the first-choice backup of Hazlewood, who is currently injured, although Nuwan Thushara is also a contender.
There are doubts over Yash Dayal's participation, and if the left-armer isn't available, either Rasikh Salam or new signing Mangesh Yadav could step in.
Impact Player Options: Suyash Sharma
Bengaluru have a settled playing XII, so Suyash Sharma will be the straightforward impact player choice. The leg-spinner showed various improvements to his game during IPL 2025 and will look to continue in the same vein.
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