The buzz around the upcoming Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) has already started, and cricket experts have already started speculating about the possible playing XI of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their first IPL trophy last year after defeating the Punjab Kings in a thrilling final. After that historic win, the franchise is likely to continue with almost the same combination instead of making big changes at the start of the 2026 season.
Sanjay Bangar reveals his predicted RCB XI for IPL 2026
After the BCCI announced the schedule for the upcoming IPL 2026, former Indian coach Sanjay Bangar shared his expected RCB playing XI, and his selection has raised eyebrows. The cricket pandit feels the defending champions already look settled, so there is no need for many changes.
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Surprisingly, the former RCB coach said that the Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer will not make it to the playing XI at the start of the season despite being one of their top picks at the mini-auction. The former Indian all-rounder predicted that the team would play with the same side that won the trophy last season in the first match of the IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
There is a place for Venkatesh Iyer: Sanjay Bangar
Bangar said that Devdutt Padikkal is expected to keep his spot in the RCB playing XI after his crucial innings in the later stages of the tournament last year, and his remarkable domestic season will also help him to retain his spot. Given that Bangar felt Venkatesh Iyer would have to wait for his chance.
Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports: “There is no place for him. Just because you have paid a lot of money to buy a good player, it doesn’t mean there is a place for him. Devdutt Padikkal has played crucial knocks. He wasn’t in form at the start, but he played quick knocks close to the playoffs. So, he will continue. They will play the first match with almost the same squad if everyone remains fit.”
Bangar’s RCB XI:
Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal,
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Josh Hazlewood’s return could be a massive boost for RCB
There is also some concern about Josh Hazlewood’s fitness. The Australian fast bowler missed the Ashes at home and then the recent T20 World Cup 2026 due to injuries. However, if Hazlewood returns fit, he will be a big asset for the RCB in the upcoming IPL 2026.
Bangar said during the same discussion, “The best positive for RCB regarding Hazlewood is that when a player reaches the last phase of his international career, his commitment to the IPL increases because he thinks he wants to extend his career by playing an extra season or two there. So that benefits whichever team has chosen such a player.”
The IPL 2026 will kick off at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28 with the defending champions facing the SRH. The RCB will play five home matches in Bengaluru and the rest of the two games in Raipur this season.
