The RCB administration could be thrilled, as two of their match-winning gamers from the victorious season of 2025 may emerge as the most important burden for them, owing to totally different causes like damage, lack of type, and others.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked many new gamers of their squad after releasing one or two gamers who did not appear to be the best-performing cricketers the final time. Led by Rajat Patidar, they picked gamers like Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, and plenty of different Indian kids.
They gained their maiden title in 2025 after an extended wait of 18 editions. They are going to be making ready for his or her maiden title defence this season and can kickstart their marketing campaign in opposition to the Sunrisers Hyderabad at their dwelling floor of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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3 gamers who’re RCB’s greatest burden in IPL 2026
Venkatesh Iyer
One of many costliest Indian gamers within the historical past of the IPL, Venkatesh Iyer, was purchased for a whopping worth within the mega-auction for IPL 2024. Nonetheless, after a failed season, the KKR workforce launched him forward of the mini-auction.
RCB acquired his providers as a batter for INR 7 crores. Regardless of his dip in worth, Venky appears to be a weak hyperlink within the RCB aspect. The rationale for that is his poor type throughout any format of the sport. Iyer has failed miserably with the bat, even in home cricket for his state workforce.
The batting all-rounder will probably be seen in a jersey apart from that of KKR for the primary time. Nonetheless, his position within the RCB workforce is to strengthen the middle-order batting within the absence of Liam Livingstone. Not helpful along with his medium tempo, Iyer might be used solely as a batter, and if he flops in that division, the Challengers would not have many choices to interchange him.
Josh Hazlewood
One other lead pacer within the aspect, Josh Hazlewood, was their greatest participant when he picked probably the most wickets for the IPL-winning aspect. Having picked up these many wickets, Hazlewood was their match-winner with the ball.
He has picked wickets within the energy play with the brand new ball and has given RCB the higher hand. Alternatively, Hazlewood has additionally been remarkably economical within the dying overs for the RCB. In his absence, it will be very powerful for gamers to fill his footwear.
The Australian has been out of cricket motion for the reason that Ashes sequence attributable to a number of accidents. His return to the IPL has been blocked by these accidents, as he would miss out on the primary half of the competitors.
Although the Royal Challengers have Jacob Duffy as his backup, it will be an enormous burden for RCB, since they’ll neither launch the participant, attributable to his significance, nor can they’ve his providers at first of the competitors.
Phil Salt
Lastly, the English opener Phil Salt, who was one of many highest-scoring cricketers in 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The opener was their most dynamic batter and infrequently gave them splendid begins inside the first six overs.
The explosive batter has not given away his batting fashion; nonetheless, he has been out of contact over the previous 12 months. Salt has lacked runs in worldwide in addition to franchise-level cricket, and this will probably be an enormous concern for the Royal Challengers going into the upcoming IPL version.
In addition they would not have many backup gamers to interchange him within the enjoying XI. As a substitute, Virat Kohli may open with the English teen Jacob Bethell. Nonetheless, selling Bethell or Devdutt Padikkal within the batting order will expose the weak point of the center order to their opponents.
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