The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) often is the defending champions, however the upcoming IPL 2026 is already bringing recent choice rigidity contained in the camp, and Venkatesh Iyer would be the principal problem.
They are going to kick off the IPL 2026 marketing campaign in opposition to the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru might be aiming for a recent begin after clinching the title after 18 years.
Venkatesh Iyer provides a giant crew choice downside
Forward of the season opener, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif feels the reigning champions may face a giant headache whereas selecting their finest taking part in XI. RCB spent Rs 7 crore on Venkatesh Iyer within the IPL 2026 public sale, however becoming him into the facet is probably not simple in any respect.
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Kaif has identified that Devdutt Padikkal has been in sensational kind since IPL 2025 and has carried that kind ahead in home cricket, which places RCB in a tricky spot. After which the Bengaluru circumstances go well with batters who prefer to assault and revel in tempo on the ball.
Mohammad Kaif stated in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “The wicket in Bangalore helps these batters who play on the rise, who love shot-making, and who play quick bowling effectively. Venkatesh likes tempo on the ball. There’s now competitors within the 11s.
I do not know the place they’ll play him. Devdutt Padikkal has performed very effectively. Speak about Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, or the coaches; they’ve made a terrific atmosphere there now. They gave roles to gamers, be it Tim David or Romario Shepherd, and all delivered their finest. They’re making gamers now; that is the distinction.”
Mohammad Kaif highlights huge headache for RCB
The cricket pandit additionally highlighted the main concern on the RCB facet. Josh Hazlewood will miss the early a part of IPL 2026, and that might harm RCB initially.
The previous Indian batter additionally feels RCB is more likely to decide New Zealand quick bowler Jacob Duffy within the taking part in XI as Josh Hazlewood’s alternative. He believes the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru pitch shouldn’t be absolutely flat now and has a little bit of spongy bounce, which may assist Duffy.
Nonetheless, Kaif believes that the 2025 IPL winners have proven that they know find out how to deal with such issues. Final season, they shocked many groups by proscribing them to beneath 150 a number of occasions, due to Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya’s beautiful bowling.
Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma must play greater
Now, with Liam Livingstone not within the squad, RCB could should rely extra on specialist spin choices. Kaif feels Pandya and Suyash will now have to hold a much bigger load within the spin division for the Rajat Patidar-led facet, as taking part in three specialist spinners may weaken the tempo assault.
Kaif added, “Now they must go along with two spinners. In the event that they play three spinners, they must quit on one pacer since you let go of an all-rounder in Livingstone. So, I see solely Krunal and Suyash beginning. Each had good management and accuracy. Each have develop into intelligent bowlers, and they’re going to have a number of duty this time too.”
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