The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may be the defending champions, but the upcoming IPL 2026 is already bringing fresh selection tension inside the camp, and Venkatesh Iyer will be the main issue.
They will kick off the IPL 2026 campaign against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be aiming for a fresh start after clinching the title after 18 years.
Venkatesh Iyer gives a big team selection problem
Ahead of the season opener, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels the reigning champions could face a big headache while picking their best playing XI. RCB spent Rs 7 crore on Venkatesh Iyer in the IPL 2026 auction, but fitting him into the side may not be easy at all.
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Kaif has pointed out that Devdutt Padikkal has been in sensational form since IPL 2025 and has carried that form forward in domestic cricket, which puts RCB in a tough spot. And then the Bengaluru conditions suit batters who like to attack and enjoy pace on the ball.
Mohammad Kaif said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “The wicket in Bangalore helps those batters who play on the rise, who love shot-making, and who play fast bowling well. Venkatesh likes pace on the ball. There is now competition in the 11s.
I don’t know where they will play him. Devdutt Padikkal has done very well. Talk about Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, or the coaches; they have made a great environment there now. They gave roles to players, be it Tim David or Romario Shepherd, and all delivered their best. They are making players now; this is the difference.”
Mohammad Kaif highlights big headache for RCB
The cricket pandit also highlighted the major concern on the RCB side. Josh Hazlewood will miss the early part of IPL 2026, and that could hurt RCB at the start.
The former Indian batter also feels RCB is likely to pick New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy in the playing XI as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement. He believes the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru pitch is not fully flat now and has a bit of spongy bounce, which could help Duffy.
However, Kaif believes that the 2025 IPL winners have shown that they know how to handle such problems. Last season, they surprised many teams by restricting them to below 150 several times, thanks to Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya’s stunning bowling.
Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will have to play bigger
Now, with Liam Livingstone no longer in the squad, RCB may have to depend more on specialist spin options. Kaif feels Pandya and Suyash will now have to carry a bigger load in the spin department for the Rajat Patidar-led side, as playing three specialist spinners could weaken the pace attack.
Kaif added, “Now they will have to go with two spinners. If they play three spinners, they will have to give up on one pacer because you let go of an all-rounder in Livingstone. So, I see only Krunal and Suyash starting. Both had good control and accuracy. Both have become clever bowlers, and they will have a lot of responsibility this time too.”
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