Playing with ‘defending champion’ tag the biggest challenge for RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) steps into new territory with the start of IPL 2026. Having been the nearly men for the longest period, RCB now enters the arena wearing the coveted tag of ‘defending champion.’

Unsurprisingly, RCB found no good reason to tinker with the proven template which led to the title last season. The majority of the squad has been retained while there have been a couple of notable inclusions — all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and pacer Jacob Duffy — from the auction.

The side boasts of a powerful batting line-up, capable of maximising friendly home conditions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The depth in batting poses some welcome selection challenges for the team management.

Fan favourite Virat Kohli is a shoe-in as opener, with Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell in the race to take up the second slot. Captain Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal and Tim David form a strong middle-order. Patidar did not find form in the recent domestic season, and needs a quick turnaround when he puts on IPL colours.

It is a toss-up between Padikkal and Venkatesh for a spot in the eleven. Venkatesh does offer an additional bowling option, but with the impact player likely to be spinner Suyash Sharma, this may not tilt the scales in his favour.

Hometown batter Padikkal, meanwhile, has been in fine form for Karnataka in recent months.

Jitesh Sharma, who came into his own in the previous IPL season, is a crucial presence as finisher and wicketkeeper. Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya and David can provide the fireworks in the death overs.

The fast-bowling department is an area of concern, given the uncertainty surrounding the availability of Australian Josh Hazlewood and left-arm seamer Yash Dayal.

If Hazlewood and Dayal are absent, the onus lies on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack. At 36, Bhuvneshwar still has the goods, as seen in his good showing for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy a few months ago.

Uncapped left-arm speedster Mangesh Yadav, signed for ₹5.2 crore, could replace Dayal. Nuwan Thushara, who did not feature in Sri Lanka’s recent T20 World Cup campaign, is another new-ball option.

Krunal and Suyash forged a successful bond in IPL 2025, and will continue to shoulder spin duties.

RCB will relish playing in front of its passionate home fans, now that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been given the nod to host five matches.

It is all systems go for the reigning champion.