Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Squad – Full List
Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Squad – Full List
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning IPL champions after their breakthrough title win in 2025, adopted a measured approach in the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. Entering with a purse of ₹16.40 crore and eight slots to fill (including two overseas), RCB focused on adding versatility and depth rather than major overhauls. They secured eight players, with Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer as the marquee buy at ₹7 crore, outbidding Kolkata Knight Riders in a tense war.
Under captain Rajat Patidar, RCB retained the core that delivered their maiden trophy, releasing players like Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi to free up resources. The auction strategy emphasized all-round options, pace backups, and emerging talent, completing a balanced 25-member squad primed to defend the title in the season starting March 26, 2026.
Key Auction Acquisitions
RCB’s buys addressed specific needs: middle-order firepower, pace depth (especially as backup for Josh Hazlewood), and spin variety.
- Venkatesh Iyer (All-rounder, India): ₹7 crore – Proven IPL performer adding left-handed batting and medium-pace bowling.
- Mangesh Yadav (Fast-bowling all-rounder, India): ₹5.20 crore – Emerging domestic talent with strong recent performances.
- Jacob Duffy (Pacer, New Zealand): ₹2 crore – Experienced overseas seamer for reliable backup.
- Jordan Cox (Wicketkeeper-batter, England): ₹75 lakh – Aggressive middle-order option.
- Satvik Deswal (All-rounder, India): ₹30 lakh
- Vicky Ostwal (Spinner, India): ₹30 lakh
- Vihaan Malhotra (Batter, India): ₹30 lakh
- Kanishk Chouhan (All-rounder, India): ₹30 lakh
These additions bring flexibility, particularly in all-round departments and lower-order finishing.
Retained Core Players
RCB retained 17 players, preserving the championship-winning backbone:
- Rajat Patidar (Captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Phil Salt (WK)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Krunal Pandya
- Swapnil Singh
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Jacob Bethell
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Nuwan Thushara
- Rasikh Salam
- Abhinandan Singh
- Suyash Sharma
Full RCB Squad for IPL 2026
Batters/Wicketkeepers:
- Virat Kohli
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Phil Salt (WK)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Jordan Cox (WK)
- Vihaan Malhotra
All-rounders:
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd
- Jacob Bethell
- Swapnil Singh
- Mangesh Yadav
- Satvik Deswal
- Kanishk Chouhan
- Vicky Ostwal (Spin all-rounder)
Bowlers:
- Josh Hazlewood
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Nuwan Thushara
- Rasikh Salam
- Jacob Duffy
- Suyash Sharma
- Abhinandan Singh
Total: 25 players (8 overseas maximum)
Strategic Outlook for IPL 2026
RCB’s squad exudes continuity and depth. The top order—featuring Kohli, Padikkal, and Salt—remains explosive, while Iyer and David provide middle-order stability and power-hitting. All-round options like Shepherd, Bethell, and new additions ensure flexibility in team combinations.
The bowling attack, led by Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, gains reinforcement from Duffy and Yadav, offering variety across conditions. Spin resources with Krunal, Suyash, and Ostwal suit diverse pitches.
As defending champions, RCB appear well-equipped for back-to-back success, blending proven stars with smart reinforcements.
