RCB IPL 2026 Team – Full Squad, Playing XI, Schedule & Key Players
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter IPL 2026 as defending champions — something fans waited 18 long years to see. After defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a thrilling final, RCB IPL 2026 RCB finally lifted their first IPL trophy in 2025. Now, with a strong squad and winning momentum, the big question is: can RCB win back-to-back titles?
RCB IPL 2026 Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Franchise | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| Total Players | 25 |
| Overseas Players | 8 |
| Players Retained | 17 |
| Players Bought | 8 |
| Owner | United Spirits Limited (USL) |
RCB IPL 2026 Full Squad
RCB retained 17 players and added 8 new players in the auction:
- Virat Kohli – Batsman
- Josh Hazlewood – Bowler
- Phil Salt – Wicket Keeper
- Rajat Patidar – Batsman (Captain)
- Jitesh Sharma – Wicket Keeper
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Bowler
- Krunal Pandya – All Rounder
- Tim David – All Rounder
- Romario Shepherd – All Rounder
- Yash Dayal – Bowler
- And more young talents…
RCB Probable Playing XI IPL 2026
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt (WK)
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Jitesh Sharma
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
Impact Players: Suyash Sharma, Mangesh Yadav
Key Players to Watch in RCB IPL 2026
Virat Kohli
Kohli was outstanding in IPL 2025, scoring 657 runs at an average of 54.75. He remains the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup.
Phil Salt
Salt provided explosive starts with a strike rate above 175, making RCB dominant in powerplays.
Rajat Patidar
The captain who led RCB to their first title will again play a crucial role in IPL 2026.
Krunal Pandya
A true match-winner, Krunal took 17 wickets and delivered in the final with 2/17.
Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood was RCB’s best bowler with 22 wickets and consistent match-winning spells.
RCB IPL 2026 Schedule (Phase 1)
Home Matches
- 28 March 2026 – vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- 05 April 2026 – vs Chennai Super Kings
Away Matches
- 10 April 2026 – vs Rajasthan Royals
- 12 April 2026 – vs Mumbai Indians
RCB will play 4 matches in the first phase, and their performance in these games will set the tone for the season.
RCB Ownership
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo.
The franchise was originally bought by Vijay Mallya in 2007.
RCB Journey – From 2008 to Champions
RCB had reached the IPL finals three times before 2025 but never won the title.
After years of disappointment, they finally became champions in 2025.
With strong leadership, balanced squad, and match-winners in every department,
RCB now enters IPL 2026 as one of the strongest teams.
FAQ – RCB IPL 2026
Who is the captain of RCB in IPL 2026?
Rajat Patidar is the captain of RCB.
Who is the most expensive player in RCB 2026?
Virat Kohli at ₹21 crore.
How many players did RCB buy in the auction?
RCB bought 8 players in the mini auction.
When is RCB’s first match in IPL 2026?
28 March 2026 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Who was Player of the Match in IPL 2025 Final?
Krunal Pandya.
Who owns RCB?
United Spirits Limited (USL).
Conclusion: RCB finally broke their title drought in 2025. With a strong squad and winning mindset,
IPL 2026 could be another historic season for the team.
