IPL 2026: Full squad of RCB after mini-auction ft. Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will enter the IPL 2026 as defending champions, having won their maiden title in 2025.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will go into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a settled feel because the reigning champions stayed calm and backed continuity while adding just enough fresh energy to keep standards high. With the season set to begin on 26 March, the squad shows the choices the management made with the bigger picture in mind, rather than reacting to short-term chatter.

RCB retained 17 players, and that call kept the core of a title-winning side intact that already knew how to handle pressure over a long campaign. Virat Kohli remains the focal point at the top and continues to set the tone through intent and consistency, while Rajat Patidar carries on as captain after leading with authority last season. Alongside them, Devdutt Padikkal brings batting quality through the powerplay, and Tim David adds muscle at the back end, which gives the batting group more variety.

The wicket-keeping group offers depth and contrast, since Phil Salt brings aggression and sharp work behind the stumps, while Jitesh Sharma adds flexibility and late-innings finishing in tight chases. Because of that, RCB can pick their XI based on conditions rather than falling into habits.

RCB ropes in Venkatesh Iyer for INR 7 crore in IPL 2026 auction

Through the middle, the all-rounders give the side balance and clear options, as Krunal Pandya manages tempo with the ball and resurrects innings with the bat, Romario Shepherd supplies power, and Jacob Bethell and Swapnil Singh will fill different roles as games unfold. In addition, the mini-auction move for Venkatesh Iyer lifts this area, because his left-handed batting and seam bowling open up more choices across venues.

With the ball, RCB will rely on experience and control, as Josh Hazlewood leads with bounce and discipline, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar works spells with swing and craft. At the same time, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, and Suyash Sharma bring youth, angles, and spin that help the attack adjust across different stages of matches. The addition of Jacob Duffy strengthens the pace group further and keeps competition alive throughout the season.

RCB trusted proven players while fixing gaps without overdoing it. As a result, the defending champions head into IPL 2026 ready to defend their crown with balance, depth, and a clear sense of purpose.

Full squad of RCB for IPL 2026 after mini-auction

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