The RCB IPL 2026 squad enters the new season with continuity, depth, and a few smart upgrades aimed at defending their title. After retaining 17 players before the auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru focused on role-specific reinforcements rather than overhauling their core. The headline addition was Venkatesh Iyer for INR 7 crore, a move that strengthens the top order without disturbing team balance.
The RCB IPL 2026 squad looks settled on paper, but the real story lies in how well their backups can support the first XI across a long tournament. They appear one of the most settled among the IPL 2026 team lists.
(updated on February 17, 2026 ahead of IPL 2026)
Full RCB IPL 2026 Players List
Here is the complete RCB IPL 2026 squad after the auction:
RCB Indian Players:
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Krunal Pandya
- Jitesh Sharma
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Swapnil Singh
- Abhinandan Singh
- Rasikh Salam Dar
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Satvik Deswal
- Mangesh Yadav
- Vicky Ostwal
- Vihaan Malhotra
- Kanishk Chouhan
RCB Overseas Players:
- Phil Salt ✈️
- Josh Hazlewood ✈️
- Tim David ✈️
- Romario Shepherd ✈️
- Jacob Bethell ✈️
- Nuwan Thushara ✈️
- Jacob Duffy ✈️
- Jordan Cox ✈️
The RCB squad after auction 2026 shows strong top-order depth, a multi-layered pace attack, and spin variety, but limited left-hand balance in the core XI.
RCB IPL 2026 Squad – Retained Players & Core Stability
The retention phase ensured the spine of the RCB IPL 2026 squad remained intact. RCB retained 17 players, including six overseas cricketers, signalling trust in their championship core.
Key retained names include:
- Virat Kohli – INR 21 crore
- Josh Hazlewood – INR 12.50 crore
- Phil Salt – INR 11.50 crore
- Rajat Patidar – INR 11 crore
- Jitesh Sharma – INR 11 crore
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – INR 10.75 crore
This group covers powerplay batting, spin hitting, death bowling, and leadership. Unlike some franchises, RCB did not enter the auction needing structural fixes. Their focus was refinement.
The biggest auction move — Venkatesh Iyer — was less about desperation and more about flexibility at No.3.
RCB Bought Players at IPL 2026 Auction
RCB entered the IPL 2026 auction with INR 16.40 crore and used INR 16.15 crore efficiently.
Major buys:
- Venkatesh Iyer – INR 7 crore
- Mangesh Yadav – INR 5.20 crore
- Jacob Duffy – INR 2 crore
Venkatesh Iyer addresses the No.3 position. In IPL 2025, Devdutt Padikkal handled the role well before injury disrupted continuity. Iyer offers a left-handed option with greater hitting range against pace and spin. He has 1468 runs in 62 IPL matches and brings experience at the top of the order.
Jacob Duffy was a calculated insurance pick for Josh Hazlewood. Ranked among the leading T20I bowlers recently, Duffy provides powerplay wicket-taking ability and can play alongside Hazlewood if conditions favour seam. Arguably, Jacob Duffy was the best buy of IPL 2026 auction.
Mangesh Yadav is a good addition to RCB squad for IPL 2026, adds pace-bowling depth but remains inexperienced at IPL level.
RCB Bought Players in IPL 2026 auction
| Players | Price (INR) |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 7 crore |
| Jacob Duffy | 2 crore |
| Satvik Deswal | 30 Lakhs |
| Mangesh Yadav | 5.20 crore |
| Jordan Cox | 75 Lakhs |
| Vicky Ostwal | 30 Lakhs |
| Vihaan Malhotra | 30 Lakhs |
| Kanishk Chouhan | 30 Lakhs |
RCB Strongest Playing XI IPL 2026
Based on balance and defined roles, here is a probable RCB strongest playing XI IPL 2026:
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt ✈️
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Tim David ✈️
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Romario Shepherd ✈️
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Suyash Sharma
- Josh Hazlewood ✈️
- Impact Player: Yash Dayal/Devdutt Padikkal
In this XI, the RCB IPL 2026 squad maximises batting depth while maintaining four frontline bowling options and multiple matchup players.
Key tactical notes:
- Kohli anchors while Salt attacks in the powerplay.
- Iyer provides left-hand balance in the top three.
- Patidar remains their best spin-hitter.
- David and Jitesh act as floaters depending on match situation.
- Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar form the new-ball core.
RCB IPL 2026 Squad Analysis
The RCB IPL 2026 squad analysis highlights a side built on batting security and structured pace bowling, but one that carries risk if injuries hit key personnel.
Strengths of RCB IPL 2026 Squad
- Powerplay Dominance
Kohli and Salt provide aggression and control. Patidar strengthens the middle overs against spin. - Batting Depth
Eight viable batting options allow flexibility in match-ups. - Quality Pace Core
Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, and Rasikh Salam or Yash Dayal cover powerplay and death phases. Jacob Duffy, top wicket taker in 2025, is a great backup. - Spin Control
Krunal Pandya offers control and wicket-taking threat, while Suyash Sharma provides wrist-spin variety.
Weaknesses of RCB IPL 2026 Squad
- Limited Left-Hand Depth
Beyond Iyer and Krunal, the top seven is predominantly right-handed. - Hard-Length Vulnerability
Salt and Iyer can be tested with short-of-a-length pace into the body. - Hazlewood Availability Risk
Recent injuries and international workload make his fitness crucial. - Inexperienced Bench
Backups in pace and middle order lack consistent IPL exposure.
If two frontline players become unavailable, the RCB IPL 2026 squad could look thin quickly.
Can RCB Defend Their Title in IPL 2026?
The RCB IPL 2026 squad has a settled first XI, defined roles, and a strong core of retained players. The Venkatesh Iyer acquisition improves tactical flexibility, while Jacob Duffy adds seam insurance.
However, their campaign may hinge on Hazlewood’s fitness and whether their middle order consistently closes games under pressure.
On paper, Royal Challengers Bengaluru remain one of the strongest IPL 2026 squads. Execution and squad health will determine whether they lift back-to-back titles.
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