RCB IPL 2026: Probable playing XI, full squad, biggest buys, squad composition and more

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with a relatively settled squad and limited gaps to address. As defending champions, the franchise focused on fine-tuning rather than overhauling, targeting specific roles to maintain balance and depth.

One of RCB’s key decisions ahead of the auction was releasing England all-rounder Liam Livingstonewhich created the need for a like-for-like replacement in the middle order. That void was filled with the signing of Venkatesh Iyeradding an Indian left-handed batting all-rounder who strengthens both flexibility and balance. RCB also reinforced their pace department by bringing in New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy and Indian seamer Mangesh Yadavensuring adequate cover given fitness concerns around some frontline bowlers.

RCB IPL 2026 squad composition

Wicketkeepers:
Jitesh Sharma, Phil Salt, Jordan Cox

Batters:
Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David

All-rounders:
Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan.

Fast bowlers:
Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy

Spinners:
Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh

Biggest buys for RCB at IPL 2026 auction

Venkatesh Iyer emerged as the standout signing, addressing RCB’s all-rounder requirement, while Jacob Duffy added quality fast-bowling depth at the back end of the squad.

RCB probable playing XI for IPL 2026

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Impact Player: Suyash Sharma

RCB IPL 2026 full squad

Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan.

With a strong Indian core, experienced overseas options and a settled leadership group under Rajat Patidar, RCB head into IPL 2026 with continuity and depth firmly on their side.