Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enters the IPL 2026 season as the defending champions, having secured their first-ever IPL title in 2025. After a historic win, the team is focused on making strategic additions to maintain their winning combination.
Retained Players
RCB has retained a strong core of 17 players from their championship-winning squad. Key players include:
- Virat Kohli: A masterful batter and a cornerstone of the team.
- Rajat Patidar: The captain of the team.
- Phil Salt: An explosive overseas batter.
- Tim David: An Australian all-rounder.
- Jitesh Sharma: A dynamic wicket-keeper batter.
- Krunal Pandya: A valuable all-rounder.
- Josh Hazlewood: An experienced overseas fast bowler.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: A seasoned Indian bowler.
- Yash Dayal: A promising left-arm seamer.
- Devdutt Padikkal: A talented batter.
- Romario Shepherd: A West Indies all-rounder.
- Jacob Bethell: A young all-rounder.
- Swapnil Singh: An Indian all-rounder.
- Nuwan Thushara: A Sri Lankan bowler.
- Rasikh Salam Dar: An Indian bowler.
- Abhinandan Singh: An Indian bowler.
- Suyash Sharma: A young bowler.
Released Players
Before the IPL 2026 auction, RCB released several players, including:
- Liam Livingstone
- Lungi Ngidi
- Mayank Agarwal
- Manoj Bhandage
- Swastik Chikara
- Mohit Rathee
- Tim Seifert
- Blessing Muzarabani
Auction Strategy and Potential Targets
With a purse of ₹16.40 crore, RCB will look to address specific areas in the IPL 2026 auction, with a focus on:
- Middle-order batting depth: RCB may seek an Indian middle-order batter to provide stability and aggression.
- Overseas fast-bowling backup: Given concerns about Josh Hazlewood's workload and potential unavailability, RCB might target an experienced overseas pacer.
- Indian Seamer: RCB may also look for a domestic seamer who can step in.
- Spin Bowler: There won't be any surprise if RCB go all-in for a spinner.
Potential targets for RCB in the auction include:
- Matheesha Pathirana: A Sri Lankan fast bowler known for his death-bowling skills.
- Venkatesh Iyer: An Indian all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
- Ravi Bishnoi: A wrist-spinner who can strengthen RCB's bowling attack.
- Gerald Coetzee: A South African pacer who can provide an aggressive option.
- Akash Madhwal: An Indian fast bowler known for his disciplined bowling and yorker skills.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
RCB's strengths lie in their strong batting lineup, featuring Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Rajat Patidar. Their bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, is also effective. However, the team needs to address its bowling depth and find a reliable middle-order batter to provide stability.
By strategically targeting players in the auction, RCB aims to reinforce their squad and maintain their position as a top contender in the IPL 2026 season. With a blend of retained stars and potential new additions, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are determined to continue their pursuit of excellence and add more silverware to their trophy cabinet.
