IPL 2026: Predicting RCB strongest playing XI

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters IPL 2026 with confidence and clarity following a calibrated mini-auction aimed at reinforcing an already established core.

As they try to retain their title, the Rajat Patidar-led side has foregone spectacular transfers in favor of balance, depth, and flexibility. RCB spent INR 16.40 crore at the auction, and eight of their ten bids were successful.

Venkatesh Iyer was their largest acquisition, costing INR 7 crore. They also acquired MP pacer Mangesh Yadav as a backup to Yash Dayal. Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, and Satvik Deswal were among the other players who joined RCB for IPL 2026.

Here is the predicted RCB strongest playing XI for IPL 2026:

With a lot of talent to choose from, RCB has more or less a settled playing XI. Virat Kohli is likely to open the innings with Phil Salt. Salt can also keep wickets if RCB wants an extra batter or an extra bowler in the lower order.

Captain Rajat Patidar or new addition Venkatesh Iyer might come in at the no. 3 spot. RCB needed a player who could hit the big shots at no. 3, and while Devdutt Padikkal tried his best in IPL 2025, he failed to get desired results.

Then comes the huge big-hitting batting lineup for RCB that includes Tim David at no. 5, Jitesh Sharma at no. 6, Romario Shepherd at no. 7, and Krunal Pandya at no. 8. All of the aforementioned batters, excluding Jitesh Sharma, can bowl as well, giving RCB all-round abilities.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood are likely to form the bowling attack for RCB. They have Mangesh Yadav as a backup for Yash Dayal, who hasn’t played any cricket since the last IPL 2025. They will be partnered by Josh Hazlewood, and in case the Australian pacer is not available, there is Jacob Duffy as a replacement.

Predicted RCB strongest playing XI for IPL 2026:

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood.

Impact players: Devdutt Padikkal, Mangesh Yadav, Kanishk Chouhan, Jordan Cox.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky365 and download the Sky365 App to start betting today!