RCB: Defending Champions Brace for IPL 2026 Title Defense

Defending champions RCB gear up for IPL 2026 with a strong batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, but face pace bowling uncertainties. Read the full preview.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru embarks on IPL 2026 as the reigning champion, aiming to defend its title with a largely unchanged squad. Key acquisitions include all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and pacer Jacob Duffy. The batting lineup is exceptionally strong, designed to excel at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Virat Kohli is confirmed as an opener, with Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell vying for the other spot. Captain Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Tim David form a potent middle order.

However, the pace-bowling department presents a challenge due to potential absences of Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to lead the attack if they are unavailable. Mangesh Yadav and Nuwan Thushara are new options. Spin duties will be handled by the successful pairing of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. The team will benefit from playing five matches in front of their passionate home crowd.

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