RCB Squad 2026 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru Players List, Captain & Team After IPL Auction
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for TATA IPL 2026 has taken shape after player retentions and the IPL 2026 auction, following the standard Indian Premier League process.
As with every IPL season, RCB have not announced a fixed or final playing XI. Instead, the franchise now has a registered pool of players—retained and auction-bought—who will be available for selection match by match during IPL Season 19.
For IPL 2026, Rajat Patidar will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru as captain, with experienced names like Virat Kohli continuing to be a key part of the team’s core.
How IPL Squads Are Formed (Quick Context)
To keep things realistic and accurate:
- IPL teams do not announce final squads like football
- Players are finalized through retentions + auction
- Playing XIs vary based on pitch, opposition, and conditions
- Impact Player rule allows further flexibility
So, “RCB Squad 2026” means:
Players registered with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026 after the auction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain – IPL 2026
Rajat Patidar will captain RCB in IPL 2026.
After establishing himself as a consistent top-order batter, Patidar has been trusted with leadership responsibilities as RCB look to build a stable Indian core around him.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Players List – IPL 2026
Players Retained by RCB Before IPL 2026 Auction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained a strong mix of experienced internationals and Indian regulars ahead of the auction.
RCB Retained Players 2026:
- Rajat Patidar
- Virat Kohli
- Tim David ✈︎
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Phil Salt ✈︎
- Jitesh Sharma
- Krunal Pandya
- Jacob Bethell ✈︎
- Romario Shepherd ✈︎
- Swapnil Singh
- Josh Hazlewood ✈︎
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Rasikh Salam
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma
- Nuwan Thushara ✈︎
- Abhinandan Singh
RCB Trades Ahead of IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru did not trade in any players before IPL 2026.
- Traded In: None
Players Bought by RCB in IPL 2026 Auction
RCB focused on adding depth and flexibility, especially in batting and bowling resources, during the IPL 2026 auction.
RCB Auction Picks 2026:
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Jacob Duffy ✈︎
- Mangesh Yadav
- Satvik Deswal
- Jordan Cox ✈︎
- Kanishk Chouhan
- Vihaan Malhotra
- Vicky Ostwal
RCB Overseas Players – IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a solid overseas contingent for IPL 2026:
- Tim David
- Phil Salt
- Jacob Bethell
- Romario Shepherd
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nuwan Thushara
- Jacob Duffy
- Jordan Cox
These players provide power-hitting, pace bowling, and middle-order flexibility.
What RCB Squad 2026 Suggests
Based on retentions and auction strategy, RCB’s approach for IPL 2026 appears to be:
- Building around a strong Indian batting core
- Maintaining experience with Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Adding overseas finishers and fast bowlers
- Strengthening squad depth rather than relying on a fixed XI
Probable RCB Playing XI – IPL 2026
(Subject to conditions and opposition)
⚠️ This is a probable XI, not an official lineup.
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Phil Salt ✈︎
- Tim David ✈︎
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd ✈︎
- Josh Hazlewood ✈︎
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma
RCB Squad 2026 – Key Takeaways
- Captain: Rajat Patidar
- No trades before IPL 2026
- Balanced Indian and overseas mix
- Strong top-order batting options
- Squad finalized via retentions + auction, as per IPL system
FAQs – RCB IPL 2026
Who is the captain of RCB in IPL 2026?
Rajat Patidar is the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026.
Did RCB announce a final squad for IPL 2026?
No. RCB finalized their players list through retentions and the auction. Playing XIs will vary match by match.
Who are the key players for RCB in IPL 2026?
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David are key players.
Disclaimer
The RCB players list for IPL 2026 is based on retention and auction data. Actual playing XIs will depend on match conditions and team strategy.
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