RCB's Title Defense: Kohli's Relief, Bethell's Rise, and Pace Concerns Ahead of IPL 2026
After an 18-year wait, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will commence their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with a star on their jersey, having clinched their maiden title in the previous season with a narrow victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS). As they gear up for the 2026 edition, RCB boasts one of their most balanced squads ever, blending fearless youth with experienced stability. With the championship burden lifted, players are poised to focus on transforming the Chinnaswamy Stadium into a fortress and sustaining their away dominance from last season.
Strengths: A Well-Rounded Squad
Virat Kohli's Weight Lifted: The franchise's most loyal player, after 17 seasons of heartbreak, finally secured the trophy in his 18th year. Kohli is now breathing a sigh of relief, with his bat ready to unleash the fire that was previously constrained by the pressure of not winning. Having scored over 600 runs in each of his last three seasons, Kohli continues to age like fine wine, adapting to modern T20 cricket while aiming to keep his 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup dream alive.
Rise of Jacob Bethell: The 22-year-old English all-rounder, following a sensational T20 World Cup where he top-scored with 280 runs, including a 48-ball 105 against India in the semifinal, is set for a prominent role in RCB's playing XI. His big-match temperament could prove invaluable in the title defense.
Abundance of All-Round Options: RCB is spoiled for choices with all-rounders like Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Vicky Otswal, and Romario Shepherd, offering depth and versatility. This mix includes international experience, domestic prowess, and youthful energy from recent U19 World Cup successes.
Promising Indian Core: Historically struggling with a strong Indian contingent, RCB now features a solid group including Virat Kohli, skipper Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, supported by long-term investments like Kanishk Chauhan and Vihaan Malhotra.
Devdutt Padikkal's Stellar Form: Padikkal enters the tournament after a remarkable domestic season, scoring 543 runs in the Ranji Trophy, 725 runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and 309 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, showcasing consistency and lethal strokeplay.
Weaknesses: Areas Needing Attention
Josh Hazlewood's Availability: The star Australian pacer, crucial with 22 wickets last season, may miss early IPL stages due to prior injuries, raising concerns about RCB's pace attack.
Phil Salt's Poor Form: After a crucial role in RCB's 2025 success, Salt had a disappointing T20 World Cup with just 130 runs, prompting potential lineup changes with Bethell or Jordan Cox considered for opening alongside Kohli.
Skipper Rajat Patidar's Lean Run: Patidar has been quiet domestically, with modest returns in Ranji, SMAT, and VHT, making it imperative for him to step up and lead from the front with runs.
Jacob Duffy's Struggles: The New Zealand pacer, acquired as a steal buy, has taken only nine wickets in 10 matches this year with an economy rate of 10.77, posing a risk if he replaces Hazlewood and fails to regain form quickly.
RCB's full squad for IPL 2026 includes key players like Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Tim David, as they aim to defend their title starting March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
