Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially finalized their RCB squad for IPL 2026, following player retentions and auction additions. As the new Indian Premier League season approaches, fans are eager to understand how RCB have shaped their team. This year, the franchise has focused on balance, squad depth, and clearly defined roles.
Instead of making flashy purchases, RCB adopted a calculated approach. As a result, the RCB squad IPL 2026 reflects stability rather than experimentation. Moreover, the team management prioritized strengthening weak areas identified in previous seasons.
RCB Strategy for IPL 2026
RCB entered the IPL 2026 auction with a limited purse and specific targets. Therefore, the franchise avoided unnecessary bidding wars. Instead, it focused on players who fit the team structure.
Key objectives included:
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Adding reliable all-rounders
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Strengthening the bowling attack
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Improving middle-order depth
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Investing in young Indian talent
Consequently, RCB ended the auction with a well-rounded squad.
Batting Unit: Experience and Firepower
RCB’s batting lineup remains one of its strongest assets. At the top of the list is Virat Kohli, who continues to be the backbone of the team. His consistency and experience are crucial in IPL cricket.
RCB Batters List
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Virat Kohli
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Devdutt Padikkal
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Phil Salt
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Rajat Patidar
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Tim David
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Jordan Cox
Moreover, Phil Salt adds aggression at the top, while Devdutt Padikkal provides stability. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar anchors the middle order and leads the side. In addition, Tim David strengthens the finishing department with his power-hitting ability.
Wicketkeeper Options
RCB have ensured flexibility behind the stumps. Therefore, they retained a wicketkeeper who can also contribute with the bat.
RCB Wicketkeeper
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Jitesh Sharma
Notably, Jitesh Sharma offers quick runs in the middle and lower order. As a result, RCB gain adaptability in different match situations.
All-Rounders: The Key Strength
One of the biggest positives of the RCB squad IPL 2026 is the strong all-rounder department. In modern T20 cricket, all-rounders play a decisive role.
RCB All-Rounders List
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Venkatesh Iyer
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Krunal Pandya
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Romario Shepherd
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Jacob Bethell
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Swapnil Singh
Most importantly, Venkatesh Iyer, bought for ₹7 crore, brings balance with both bat and ball. Additionally, Krunal Pandya offers experience and left-arm spin. Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd adds pace and late-order hitting.
Bowling Attack: Pace and Spin Balance
RCB’s bowling unit looks more settled this season. Compared to earlier years, there is better depth and variety.
RCB Fast Bowlers
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Josh Hazlewood
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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Yash Dayal
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Nuwan Thushara
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Jacob Duffy
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Mangesh Yadav
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Abhinandan Singh
Clearly, Josh Hazlewood leads the pace attack with accuracy and control. At the same time, Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings experience in pressure situations. Furthermore, Yash Dayal strengthens the left-arm pace option.
RCB Spin Bowlers
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Suyash Sharma
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Rasikh Salam
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Vicky Ostwal
In addition, these spinners provide control during middle overs. Therefore, RCB have more tactical options across conditions.
Uncapped Indian Players: Future Investment
RCB also focused on long-term planning. Hence, several uncapped Indian players were added at base price.
RCB Uncapped Players List
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Satvik Deswal
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Kanishk Chouhan
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Vihaan Malhotra
These players may not feature immediately. However, they provide squad depth and future potential.
RCB Squad IPL 2026 – Complete List
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Virat Kohli
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Rajat Patidar (Captain)
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Devdutt Padikkal
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Phil Salt
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Tim David
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Jordan Cox
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Jitesh Sharma
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Venkatesh Iyer
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Krunal Pandya
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Romario Shepherd
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Jacob Bethell
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Swapnil Singh
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Josh Hazlewood
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar
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Yash Dayal
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Nuwan Thushara
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Jacob Duffy
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Mangesh Yadav
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Abhinandan Singh
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Suyash Sharma
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Rasikh Salam
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Vicky Ostwal
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Satvik Deswal
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Kanishk Chouhan
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Vihaan Malhotra
Fried Take
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RCB clearly focused on structure over star power.
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All-rounders strengthen match flexibility.
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Bowling depth looks improved compared to past seasons.
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Middle-order stability is better on paper.
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Pressure handling will define success.
Ultimately, the RCB squad IPL 2026 looks disciplined and balanced. However, execution on the field will decide whether this team can go all the way.
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