Finally, the big dream comes true, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will start the IPL 2026 as the defending champions after winning their first title in the IPL 2025, after beating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final of the tournament. While RCB got their first luck in their fourth IPL final, they reached the playoffs in five out of the last six seasons, which shows how consistent a team they are now.
Champions RCB retained 17 players before IPL 2026 mini-auction, where they started with the purse value of INR 16.40 crore. In the latest auction, RCB bought eight remaining players, including two overseas players.
Full Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Retained Players for IPL 2026 with Price
Virat Kohli (INR 21 crore) – Batter
Josh Hazlewood (INR 12.75 crore) – Pacer: Australia
Phil Salt (INR 11.5 crore) – Wicketkeeper: England
Rajat Patidar (INR 11 crore) – Batter (Captain)
Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 crore) – Wicketkeeper (Vice-captain)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (INR 10.75 crore) – Pacer
Rasikh Dar (INR 6 crore) – Pacer
Krunal Pandya (INR 5.75 crore) – All-rounder
Yash Dayal (INR 5 crore) – Pacer
Tim David (INR 3 crore) – All-rounder: Australia
Suyash Sharma (INR 2.60 crore) – Spinner
Jacob Bethell (INR 2.60 crore) – All-rounder: England
Devdutt Padikkal (INR 2 crore) – Batter
Nuwan Thushara (INR 1.60 crore) – Pacer: Sri Lanka
Romario Shepherd (INR 1.50 crore) – All-rounder: West Indies
Swapnil Singh (INR 50 lakhs) – All-rounder
Abhinandan Singh (INR 30 lakhs) – Pacer
Royal Challengers Bengaluru New Buys in IPL 2026 Auction
Venkatesh Iyer (INR 7 crore) – All-rounder
Mangesh Yadav (INR 5.20 crore) – All-rounder
Jacob Duffy (INR 2 crore) – Pacer: New Zealand
Jordan Cox (INR 75 lakhs) – Wicketkeeper: England
Satvik Deswal (INR 30 lakhs) – All-rounder
Kanishk Chouhan (INR 30 lakhs) – All-rounder
Vihaan Malhotra (INR 30 lakhs) – All-rounder
Vicky Ostwal (INR 30 lakhs) – All-rounder
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Best Playing XI (IPL 2026)
1. Phil Salt (WK)
Aggressive opener
Explosive powerplay striker
2. Virat Kohli
Anchor of the innings
Controls tempo at the top
3. Rajat Patidar (C)
Captain + dependable No.3
Strong player of spin
4. Devdutt Padikkal
Left-handed stability
Anchors middle overs
5. Jitesh Sharma (VC)
Aggressive wicketkeeper-batter
Attacks spin and pace
6. Tim David
Power-hitting finisher
Death overs specialist
7. Krunal Pandya
Spin all-rounder
Provides balance and control
8. Romario Shepherd
Seam-bowling all-rounder
Adds power hitting + pace
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Swing bowler
Powerplay specialist
10. Josh Hazlewood
World-class pacer
Accuracy and bounce
11. Yash Dayal
Left-arm pacer
Death overs support
RCB head into IPL 2026 as defending champions with a well-balanced and experienced squad. With Virat Kohli’s consistency, Rajat Patidar’s leadership, and match-winners like Phil Salt, Tim David, and Josh Hazlewood, they have strength across all departments. Their biggest advantage lies in their explosive batting and disciplined pace attack. If they maintain their momentum and manage player roles effectively, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a strong chance to defend their title and continue their dominant run in the IPL.
Read More Squad Updates on IPL 2026
