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- Venkatesh Iyer In, Suyash Sharma Out – Best XI Of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2026 | IN PICS
Venkatesh Iyer In, Suyash Sharma Out – Best XI Of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2026 | IN PICS
Virat Kohli-starring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will start their quest for the second consecutive IPL trophy at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru against the SunRisers Hyderabad on March 28, Saturday. RCB’s biggest buy of IPL 2026 auction was Venkatesh Iyer, who fetched a massive amount of ₹7 crore and is all set to play for a franchise other than the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli is a shoo-in as not only RCB's but also IPL's highest run-getter. Kohli finally got to lay his hands on the trophy last year and will be keen to lift it for the second consecutive year. (Image Credits: Virat Kohli X)
Phil Salt.
England's Phil Salt had a successful stint with RCB in IPL 2025, mustering 403 runs in 13 games alongside a strike rate of 175.98. Although they have Jacob Bethell in the ranks, Salt should be a favourite to reunite with Kohli at the top. (Credits: Phil Salt Instagram)
Devdutt Padikkal.
Devdutt Padikkal returned to the franchise where he started his IPL career. Padikkal could not play all the matches but scored two fiftes in 10 games, aggregating 247 runs alongside a strike rate of 150.60. (Image Credits: Devdutt Padikkal X)
Rajat Patidar.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar was proactive as a leader in his first season as captain and had a decent season with the bat. Patidar mustered 312 runs in 15 matches alongside a strike rate of 143.77. (Rajat Patidar X)
Venkatesh Iyer.
Venkatesh Iyer, who has only played for the Kolkata Knight Riders, will play for any other franchise for the first time as RCB secured his services for ₹7 crore. Iyer had a poor season for KKR in 2025 and will be looking to make a statement for RCB.
Tim David.
Hard-hitter Tim David played an instrumental role in RCB's title victory in IPL 2025. In 12 games, he struck 187 runs at 62.33 while maintaining a strike rate of 185.14. David should be the first-choice finisher for RCB should he be fit. (Credits: RCB X)
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma was not only outstanding as a finisher but also kept wickets excellently during RCB's road to victory in IPL 2025. Jitesh clattered 261 runs in 15 games alongside a strike rate of 176.35 and affected the most number of dismissals in the tournament with 20. (Credits: Jitesh Sharma X)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar made the new ball consistently in IPL 2025, picking up 17 scalps in 14 games at 28.41. He should take the new ball consistently in this edition too. (Credits: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Instagram)
Krunal Pandya.
All-rounder Krunal Pandya showcased his credentials with both bat and ball in IPL 2025 for RCB. Pandya's role was vital during the final against Punjab Kings, picking up figures of 4-0-17-2 17 scalps. Overall, the southpaw took 14 games at 28.41. (Credits: Krunal Pandya X)
Josh Hazlewood.
There are doubts over Josh Hazlewood's participation in IPL 2025. A vital member of the Royal Challengers' line-up, Hazlewood took 22 scalps in 12 matches at 17.54 and should slot into the XI if fit. (Credits: Josh Hazlewood Instagram)
Yash Dayal
Although Yash Dayal's 13 wickets in 15 games came at 36.15, the left-arm seamer was outstanding in critical moments of the game. Dayal could take the new ball or even come as a first-change bowler. (Image Credits: Yash Dayal Instagram)
