Royal Challengers Bengaluru are ready for IPL 2026 after winning their first IPL title last season. The team has kept most of its key players and also added new faces to stay strong. RCB will again be led by Rajat Patidar, who guided the team to success last year. This season will be special as the team will play home matches in Pune instead of Bengaluru. All details shared here are confirmed by official IPL updates and trusted reports as of December 2025.
Rajat Patidar to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru again
Rajat Patidar will continue as RCB captain in IPL 2026. He earned praise for his calm style and smart decisions last season. Under his leadership, RCB finally lifted the IPL trophy.
Patidar is known for:
- Playing steady innings under pressure
- Leading quietly without drama
- Trusting young players
Fans expect him to bring the same energy and focus this season as well.
The Orange Army’s batting line-up looks even more dangerous with the inclusion of Liam Livingstone! 🥶🧡
Can this line-up breach the 300-run mark for the first time in IPL history? 🤯🔥#SRH #IPL2026 #SKC #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/dZWPrGzpXn
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) December 17, 2025
Star batters who form the core of RCB squad
RCB has kept its strong batting group for IPL 2026. Virat Kohli remains the biggest name in the squad and will again open the batting. He is one of the most experienced players in IPL history.
Other key batters include:
- Phil Salt – aggressive opener
- Devdutt Padikkal – smooth left-hand batter
- Tim David – big hitter at the end
- Jitesh Sharma – wicketkeeper and finisher
This group gives RCB a solid and flexible batting order.
New players added in IPL 2026 auction
RCB made smart moves at the IPL 2026 auction. The biggest buy was Venkatesh Iyer, picked for ₹7 crore. He adds balance as a batting all-rounder.
Other new signings include:
- Jacob Duffy
- Satvik Deswal
- Mangesh Yadav
- Jordan Cox
- Vicky Ostwal
- Vihaan Malhotra
- Kanishk Chouhan
These players add depth and fresh options to the squad.
Bowlers and all-round strength of RCB
RCB’s bowling unit looks balanced for the new season. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the pace attack. They bring experience and control.
Other bowlers and all-rounders:
- Yash Dayal
- Nuwan Thushara
- Rasikh Salam
- Suyash Sharma
- Abhinandan Singh
- Krunal Pandya
- Romario Shepherd
- Jacob Bethell
This mix helps RCB in both powerplay and death overs.
Home ground change and recent update
RCB will play home matches in Pune this season. The shift was made due to safety concerns at the Bengaluru stadium after last season’s celebrations. The team management and officials confirmed the move to ensure fan safety.
RCB fans are hopeful the team will defend its title and enjoy another strong season in IPL 2026.
