RCB’s masterplan ready! Venkatesh Iyer will take command of number-3, this will be the playing eleven of Bengaluru

Bengaluru Probable Playing XI in IPL 2026: In the IPL 2026 auction, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made their team balanced and experienced by investing in players strategically. The team included domestic players Venkatesh Iyer in its team for Rs 7 crore. With the arrival of Iyer, both the middle order and batting depth were strengthened. Apart from this, RCB also made a good bid on Uttar Pradesh fast bowler and bowling all-rounder Mangesh Yadav, which further strengthened the bowling department of the team.

Bowling department strengthened by recruitment of foreign players

RCB also added strength to its overseas options. The bowling department of the team was made stronger than before by including New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy in the team. Duffy’s pace and experience will help the team in special overs. After the auction, RCB’s squad now looks more balanced and experienced on paper than before, with options in both the batting and bowling departments.

Venkatesh Iyer’s responsibility at number three

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt will open the innings for RCB in the upcoming season. Both the batsmen have performed brilliantly in the last season. Venkatesh Iyer will play as the number three batsman of the team and he will have the responsibility of handling the middle order. Rajat Patidar will bat at number four, while Tim David at number five and Jitesh Sharma will maintain the balance of the team at number six. The responsibility of the final overs will be on Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya, who will play the role of finishers.

Strength and balance in the bowling department

RCB’s bowling department looks stronger than ever this season. Josh Hazlewood will command the fast bowling, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal playing the role of backup. Jacob Duffy will support the team as another experienced fast bowler. The responsibility of the spin department will be handled by Krunal Pandya, who played an important role in helping the team win last season. This combination has created a balanced team and an effective bowling attack.

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RCB’s probable playing 11

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