Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the IPL's most popular franchises based in Bengaluru, has yet to win an IPL championship despite reaching the final three times (2009, 2011, 2016). Known for its passionate fanbase and star-studded lineups, RCB has consistently been a playoff contender but struggled with consistency in knockout stages.

In IPL 2025, RCB finished fourth, securing a playoff spot with a strong middle-order resurgence and Virat Kohli's prolific run-scoring, but they were eliminated in the Eliminator due to bowling collapses in death overs. Key highlights included Kohli's orange cap contention and a memorable chase against Mumbai Indians.

Ahead of IPL 2026, RCB retained core players Virat Kohli, Tim David, Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Josh Hazlewood, blending experience with firepower. They released Liam Livingstone, Mayank Agarwal, Lungi Ngidi, Manoj Bhandage, and Swastik Chikara to revamp the squad. Strengths include a solid top order with Kohli and Salt, all-round utility from Krunal and David, and Hazlewood's pace spearhead; weaknesses lie in spin options and middle-order depth.

With an auction purse of ₹120 Cr, RCB should target Wanindu Hasaranga for spin variety and leg-spin wickets, Cameron Green as a seamless all-rounder fit, and Quinton de Kock to bolster opening aggression and wicketkeeping stability.