For the first time in the history of the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin a season as defending champions. It is a tag that would have seemed improbable for years, but RCB now enter IPL 2026 with both confidence and continuity on their side.
And, a mere four days before the start of the tournament, came news that the franchise had been sold for USD 1.78 billion (approximately INR 16,706 crore) ahead of the 2027 season. How will that massive turnaround weigh on the players and coaching staff?
Unlike several franchises that have undergone significant reshuffles, RCB have largely stuck with the core that brought them success last season. The batting order, in particular, looks settled and powerful.
Virat Kohli is expected to continue opening the innings alongside Phil Salt, a partnership that promises aggression as well as experience at the top. The key selection decision could revolve around the No. 3 position. Local favourite Devdutt Padikkal occupied that role last season, but the arrival of Venkatesh Iyer presents the management with an intriguing option.
RCB had attempted to acquire Iyer two auctions ago but were outbid by Kolkata Knight Riders. This time, they finally secured his services for ₹7 crore, a move that could prove to be one of the smarter buys of the auction. Whether he slots in at No. 3 or slightly lower in the order will be one of the early tactical calls for the team management.
Beyond the top order, RCB’s middle and lower order continues to look formidable. Rajat Patidar provides stability, while the finishing duties rest with a group of powerful hitters that includes Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya and Romario Shepherd. Few teams in the tournament can match that kind of late-order firepower.
The bowling unit, meanwhile, has seen a couple of tweaks. New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has been brought in as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, while Jordan Cox adds depth to the squad and further strengthens the batting options. Another interesting addition is left-arm seamer Mangesh Yadav, who could challenge Yash Dayal for a place in the XI.
Yet, if there is one area where RCB may appear slightly thin, it is spin. The likely combination of Pandya and Suyash Sharma offers variety but perhaps lacks the depth and proven wicket-taking presence of some rival attacks.
That said, champions rarely overhaul successful squads. RCB have largely retained the structure that worked for them, adding a few targeted reinforcements.
On paper, they remain a strong and balanced unit — though the absence of a third high-quality spinner could be the one factor that determines just how far their title defence goes.
