After scripting history with their maiden IPL title last season, RCB squad 2026, enters IPL in 2026 as the defending champions. Despite having a limited purse at the auction, the management made smart, value-driven decisions to strengthen key areas such as batting depth, seam bowling, and all-round options.
With a strong mix of experienced match-winners and promising young talent, RCB look well-prepared and balanced heading into the new season, ready once again to challenge for the title.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Overview – IPL 2026
| Category | Details |
| Franchise | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| IPL 2025 Finish | Champions |
| Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| Auction Strategy | Focused buys with purse limitation |
| Total Squad Size | 24 Players |
| Overseas Slots Filled | 2–3 |
RCB Full Squad with Price for IPL 2026
Batters (Batsman)
| Player | Country | Price (INR) |
| Virat Kohli | India | ₹21 crore |
| Rajat Patidar | India | ₹11 crore |
| Devdutt Padikkal | India | ₹2 crore |
| Tim David | Australia | ₹3 crore |
Wicket-Keepers (WK)
| Player | Country | Price (INR) |
| Jitesh Sharma | India | ₹11 crore |
| Philip Salt | England | ₹11.5 crore |
| Jordan Cox | England | ₹0.75 crore |
All-Rounders
| Player | Country | Price (INR) |
| Krunal Pandya | India | ₹5.75 crore |
| Romario Shepherd | West Indies | ₹1.5 crore |
| Jacob Bethell | England | ₹2.6 crore |
| Venkatesh Iyer | India | ₹7 crore |
| Mangesh Yadav | India | ₹5.2 crore |
| Satvik Deswal | India | ₹0.3 crore |
| Vicky Ostwal | India | ₹0.3 crore |
| Kanishk Chouhan | India | ₹0.3 crore |
Bowlers
| Player | Country | Price (INR) |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | India | ₹10.75 crore |
| Josh Hazlewood | Australia | ₹12.5 crore |
| Yash Dayal | India | ₹5 crore |
| Suyash Sharma | India | ₹2.6 crore |
| Nuwan Thushara | Sri Lanka | ₹1.6 crore |
| Rasikh Dar Salam | India | ₹6 crore |
| Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | ₹2 crore |
| Vihaan Malhotra | India | ₹0.3 crore |
| Abhinandan Singh | India | ₹0.3 crore |
RCB Team Strengths for IPL 2026
1. Solid Batting Core
The batting unit is led by Virat Kohli, with Rajat Patidar providing stability in the middle order. Power-hitters like Tim David and Philip Salt add explosive finishing ability and aggressive starts.
2. Improved Bowling Combination
The pace attack has been significantly strengthened with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, giving RCB reliable new-ball control and middle-overs discipline—areas that troubled them in earlier seasons.
3. Versatile All-Rounders
Players like Venkatesh Iyer and Krunal Pandya offer flexibility in team combinations, contributing in both departments and enhancing tactical depth.
4. Youth & Bench Strength
Youngsters such as Suyash Sharma, Satvik Deswal, and Vicky Ostwal provide strong backup options, crucial for managing form, injuries, and workload across a long tournament.
Team Challenges
RCB, though, are not without their challenges:
- Limited Auction Purse: Financial constraints meant RCB had to prioritise smart selections over marquee signings.
- Performance Pressure on New Faces: Uncapped and lesser-known players must handle high-pressure situations.
- Bowling Backup Reliability: Injuries or loss of form among frontline bowlers could test bench strength.
Expectations from IPL 2026
RCB have champion expectations:
- Title Defence: Fans and experts expect RCB to qualify for the playoffs and compete strongly for back-to-back titles.
- Dominant Top Order: Consistent big starts and successful chases will be crucial.
- Sharper Bowling: Restricting runs in key phases will define close matches.
- Leadership Impact: Captain Rajat Patidar’s on-field decisions and calm leadership will be vital.
Conclusion
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have assembled a well-balanced and thoughtfully constructed squad for IPL 2026. With power-packed batting, a reliable bowling unit, and increased depth across departments, RCB look every bit like strong title contenders once again.
If the team effectively blends experience with youthful energy, they have a genuine opportunity to successfully defend their championship and deliver another thrilling season for their fans.
FAQs About RCB Squad 2026
Q1. What is the name of the current captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the IPL 2026 season?
The current captain of RCB for the IPL 2026 Season will continue to be Virat Kohli.
Q2. Who has been added to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad in IPL 2026?
Adding to the RCB Squad for 2026 are Philip Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, and Nuwan Thushara.
Q3. How well balanced is the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for IPL 2026 (i.e., batting, all-rounders, pace-spin bowling)?
In 2026, RCB have a good mix of experienced battering, all-around quality players, and one of the top pace-spin bowling attacks in the league.
Q.4 Which overseas players will play an important part in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) 2026 Season?
The overseas players who will help the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the IPL 2026 season are Josh Hazlewood, Philip Salt, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd.
Q.5 Will Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defend their IPL Championship with their current roster in IPL 2026?
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a strong squad and many players who have demonstrated they can win from any situation. Thus, RCB should remain a realistic candidate to be champions again in the IPL 2026 season.
