Top 5 best players of RCB in IPL 2026
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RCB will face SRH in the opening encounter of the IPL 2026 on March 28.
After 17 seasons, including three final appearances, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally succeeded in lifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2024. The drought ended under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar when RCB beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final to become champions.
Now, they will enter the IPL 2026 as the reigning champions and will be eyeing making it two in a row. RCB are mulling over the fitness of Josh Hazlewood, who was their best bowler last season. But they have managed to assemble a really good squad.
There are multiple match-winners for them as they head into the new season. RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderbad (SRH) in the tournament’s opener on March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This star-studded side will be one of the favourites to win the title this season. Below we will talk about the top five players for RCB in the IPL 2026.
Top 5 best players of RCB in IPL 2026
5. Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar made his entry into RCB as a replacement in 2021. Since then, he has come a long way. From a spin basher to the first RCB captain to win the title, Patidar has played a crucial role in the team’s success. Patidar is a very key batter in the middle who can hit sixes at will.
He had an incredible start to the IPL 2026 with MOTM performances against CSK and MI in away games. Overall, he finished with 312 runs at a strike rate of 143.78. The captain will have a massive role to play, especially in the middle overs, where he can dismantle the opposition’s plan with his six-hitting.
4. Krunal Pandya
RCB had always been a batting-heavy side, but the franchise made some smart moves to form a good bowling unit in 2025, and it benefitted them eventually. Veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya was the key player in this combination. Known for his accuracy with the ball and more than useful batting, Krunal made an impact in his debut season for RCB.
He picked up joint-second-most wickets (17) at an economy rate of 8.23, which was the best among all RCB bowlers last season. His economical spells gave RCB an edge over the opposition. And RCB fans won’t forget his 2/17 in the final against PBKS, which turned the game on his head and made them champions. Hence, he will be crucial for this side in the IPL 2026.
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was one of the most valuable picks for RCB last edition, which proved to be fruitful for them. Bhuvneshwar became the go-to bowler for them in the powerplay and at death, along with Josh Hazlewood.
The pacer ended up with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 9.28. He bowled several game-changing spells and can do it again. Not to forget, he is the second-highest wicket-taker in the IPL with 198 wickets and comes with loads of experience. With Hazlewood uncertain to feature in the IPL 2026, Bhuvneshwar will be a key bowler for RCB in the IPL 2026.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has scored over 2000 runs in the last three editions. Virat finishing a season among the top scorers is not new at all, and it won’t be a surprise if he finishes the IPL 2026 with the Orange Cap. That has been the consistency of this man over the years.
He has been the run machine in the IPL, which gives a great platform to other batters to play freely. That is what makes Virat a valuable asset for RCB. And with his new approach of going aggressive in the power play, he becomes even more dangerous. That is where Virat will be the guy that takes RCB forward.
1. Phil Salt
Phil Salt is probably the most impactful batter for RCB at the top. His ability to give a flying start in the power play puts the opposition under pressure. That is what he did last edition, as well. He scored 403 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 175.98.
He compliments Virat, and this duo makes a dangerous opening pair. Salt’s ability to attack the opposition and finish the game within the power play makes him the one to watch out for.
When will RCB play their first game in the IPL 2026?
RCB will face SRH in the tournament’s opener on March 28 in Bengaluru.
Who scored most runs for RCB in the IPL 2025?
Virat Kohli was the top scorer for RCB in the IPL 2025, with 657 runs in 15 innings.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.