Sanjay Bangar picks his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) playing XI for IPL 2026

As the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter the IPL 2026 season with the weight of gold and the luxury of stability. Following their historic maiden title win in 2025, where they edged out Punjab Kings by six runs in a high-octane final, the franchise’s strategy has shifted from rebuilding to refining. However, despite a splashy acquisition at the most recent auction, former India player and coach Sanjay Bangar believes the team should resist the urge to fix what isn’t broken.

Sanjay Bangar shares why the ₹7 crore buy might sit out

The biggest talking point of RCB’s off-season was the acquisition of Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore. While the versatile left-hander offers a dual threat with both bat and ball, Bangar was candid during a recent discussion on Star Sports, suggesting that a high price tag does not guarantee a spot in a championship-winning rhythm.

“There is no place for him,” Bangar remarked bluntly. He emphasized that the late-season surge of Devdutt Padikkal in 2025 earned the youngster the right to continue at the top. Padikkal, who struggled early last season, found his touch just before the playoffs, playing the kind of high-impact cameos that Bangar believes are vital for maintaining the team’s aggressive identity.

By backing the incumbent core, Bangar argues that RCB can avoid the ‘tactical clutter’ that often plagues teams after a successful season. The logic is simple: when a squad has already proven it can handle the pressure of a final, introducing a new marquee player can sometimes disrupt the established roles and chemistry that led to the trophy.

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Bangar picks his preferred Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing XI for IPL 2026

Bangar’s projected XI for 2026 leans heavily on the formula that ended RCB’s 18-year title drought. A significant piece of that puzzle remains Josh Hazlewood. Despite missing the 2026 T20 World Cup and the Ashes due to recurring hamstring and Achilles issues, Bangar remains optimistic about the Australian’s IPL commitment. He noted that veteran internationals often view the IPL as a platform to extend their careers, potentially offering RCB a more focused and motivated spearhead.

The bowling unit remains formidable, featuring the veteran craft of Bhuvneshwar Kumar alongside the left-arm swing of Yash Dayal. In the spin department, the emergence of Suyash Sharma as a reliable Impact Player allows the team to maintain flexibility without sacrificing batting depth.

Bangar unveils his chosen playing XI for RCB in IPL 2026

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal

Impact Player: Suyash Sharma

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