RCB Squad 2026: Full Player List, New Signings & Team Analysis

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have locked in their squad for the IPL 2026 season, and the team looks well-rounded with a strong mix of star power, experience, and emerging talent. Led by the evergreen Virat Kohli, RCB will once again be aiming to end their long wait for an IPL title.

After smart retentions and targeted additions at the auction, RCB appear to have addressed key areas, particularly in their bowling attack and middle-order depth.

RCB Squad 2026 – Complete Players List

🏏 Batters & Wicket-Keepers

• Virat Kohli
• Rajat Patidar
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Phil Salt (Overseas, Wicket-keeper)
• Jitesh Sharma (Wicket-keeper)
• Jacob Bethell (Overseas)

🔄 All-Rounders

• Krunal Pandya
• Tim David (Overseas)
• Romario Shepherd (Overseas)
• Swapnil Singh

🎯 Bowlers

• Josh Hazlewood (Overseas)
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar
• Yash Dayal
• Nuwan Thushara (Overseas)
• Rasikh Salam
• Suyash Sharma
• Abhinandan Singh

Key Highlights of RCB Squad 2026

🔶 Virat Kohli – The Pillar of RCB

Virat Kohli continues to be the face of RCB and the backbone of their batting lineup. His consistency at the top and vast experience in high-pressure situations will be crucial for RCB’s IPL 2026 campaign.

🔶 Explosive Middle Order

With players like Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Phil Salt, and Jitesh Sharma, RCB boast a powerful middle order capable of accelerating in the middle and death overs.

🔶 Balanced Bowling Attack

RCB’s bowling unit looks more settled in 2026, featuring the pace and accuracy of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, along with young Indian talents such as Yash Dayal and Suyash Sharma.

🔶 Overseas Strength

The overseas contingent — Hazlewood, Salt, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, and Jacob Bethell — gives RCB flexibility across batting, pace, and all-round roles.

RCB Strategy & Team Combination for IPL 2026

RCB’s strategy for IPL 2026 appears clear:

• Strong top order led by Virat Kohli
• Aggressive middle-order hitters
• Experienced new-ball and death bowling options
• Improved bench strength for rotation

This balance could help RCB remain competitive throughout the long IPL season.

Can RCB Win IPL 2026?

With a settled squad, experienced leaders, and better bowling depth than previous seasons, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a genuine chance to go deep into the tournament. Consistency and execution in crunch matches will determine how far they go.

Final Verdict

The RCB Squad 2026 reflects smart squad planning and a renewed focus on balance. If their key players fire at the right time, IPL 2026 could finally be the season where RCB turn potential into silverware.