The start of the IPL 2026 season has brought a wave of excitement for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After finally winning their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, the team enters the new season with strong confidence and high expectations. That historic victory has given the franchise new belief, and fans are eager to see if the team can repeat their success.
RCB has managed to maintain a smart balance between experienced players and young talents. The management retained several key performers from the championship-winning squad while also making some strategic additions during the auction. This approach ensures stability in the team while also bringing fresh energy to the squad.
One of the biggest strengths of the team continues to be the presence of senior star Virat Kohli. His leadership, experience, and consistency remain vital for the franchise. Alongside him, young players like Rajat Patidar have emerged as important contributors, providing the team with strong middle-order support.
With a balanced squad that includes experienced campaigners and promising young cricketers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru appear strong in every department. Their batting depth, bowling options, and overall team chemistry make them a serious contender once again in the T20 tournament.
As IPL 2026 begins, RCB will aim not only to defend their title but also to build a lasting legacy of success. Let’s take a closer look at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for 2026 and the coaching staff guiding the team.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Overview
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Franchise | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Team Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| Head Coach | Andy Flower |
| Home Stadium | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Team Owner | United Spirits Limited – Diageo Group |
| Important Auction Picks | Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox, Vicky Ostwal |
| Total Squad Size | 25 Players |
| Overseas Player Count | 8 International Players |
| Main Goal for Season | Successfully defend the IPL title and stay among top playoff teams |
RCB Squad 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru Players
WK/Batsman
Devdutt Padikkal
Batsman
Jitesh Sharma
WK/Batsman
Jordan Cox
WK/Batsman
All Rounders
Venkatesh Iyer
All Rounder
Tim David
All Rounder
Jacob Bethell
All Rounder
Romario Shepherd
All Rounder
Krunal Pandya
All Rounder
Kanishk Chouhan
All Rounder
Vihaan Malhotra
All Rounder
Vicky Ostwal
All Rounder
Satvik Deswal
All Rounder
Mangesh Yadav
All Rounder
Bowlers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bowler
Yash Dayal
Bowler
Josh Hazlewood
Bowler
Nuwan Thushara
Bowler
Rasikh Dar
Bowler
Suyash Sharma
Bowler
Jacob Duffy
Bowler
Swapnil Singh
Bowler
Abhinandan Singh
Bowler
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Support Staff for IPL 2026
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Andy Flower |
| Director of Cricket | Mo Bobat |
| Batting Coach & Mentor | Dinesh Karthik |
| Fast Bowling Coach | Omkar Salvi |
| Spin Coach & Player ID Manager | Malolan Rangarajan |
| Fielding Coach | Richard Halsall |
| Strength & Conditioning Coach | Basu Shanker |
| Team Physios | Evan Speechly, James Pipe |
| Team Analyst | Freddie Wilde |
| Team Doctor & Medical Staff | Dr. Shikha Dhanundiyal & team |