Josh Hazlewood Replaced By? RCB's Best Playing XI For IPL 2026 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Source: X)

The stage is set for another thrilling season of the IPL as the 2026 edition kicks off with a blockbuster clash on March 28. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

RCB, coming in as defending champions, will look to begin their campaign on a strong note in front of their home crowd. After lifting the title last season, RCB will be under pressure to maintain their winning momentum.

After their opening clash against SRH, they will continue their home run with another high-profile match against their long-time rivals, CSK.

Following their two home games, RCB will head out for their first away fixtures. They are scheduled to face the Rajasthan Royals before facing the Mumbai Indians.

RCB's schedule for IPL 2026

With the IPL 2026 just a few days away, we analyse RCB's best playing XI for IPL 2026 with all available options.

Best RCB playing XI for IPL 2026

Openers and top order: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer

• RCB's batting continues to revolve around Virat Kohli, who remains the heartbeat of the franchise. The veteran opener was instrumental in their 2025 title run, scoring 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71.
• It is important to note that Virat Kohli enters IPL 2026 in red-hot form. In a recent ODI series against New Zealand, he made 240 runs in three innings at an average of 80.00. He followed that up with a remarkable 302 runs in three innings against South Africa.
• He is expected to open alongside Phil Salt, who, despite a relatively quiet T20 World Cup campaign (130 runs), remains a dangerous player in the shortest format. 

Also Read: RCB IPL 2026 Squad Analysis: Predicted Playing XI, SWOT And Expected Finish

• Phil Salt’s aggressive approach complements Virat Kohli's stability, making them one of the most balanced opening pairs in the tournament. Another point to note is that if Phil Salt fails in consecutive matches, RCB can replace him with Jacob Bethell, who was in outstanding form at the T20 World Cup 2026.
• At No. 3, the team is likely to back Venkatesh Iyer in the RCB's Playing XI, who offers both batting firepower and a handy seam-bowling option. Venkatesh Iyer's ability to counter both pace and spin makes him a valuable player in the top order. His inclusion also provides balance, especially on slower pitches where an additional bowling option could prove crucial.

(Venkatesh Iyer's stats at IPL no.3 for KKR)

Middle order and all-rounders: Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya

• Captain Rajat Patidar is likely set to anchor the middle order at No. 4. Known for his composure and ability to accelerate, Rajat Patidar scored 596 runs in 20 matches at a strike rate of 165.10 in IPL 2025. His role will be to stabilise the innings and capitalise on strong starts provided by the top order.

• The middle and lower middle order of the RCB Playing XI is stacked with power-hitters for RCB. Tim David is expected to play the role of a finisher at 5. His job will be to maximise the final overs and convert competitive totals into match-winning ones.
• Jitesh Sharma, likely to take up wicketkeeping duties, will slot in around No. 6. Known for his aggressive batting, Jitesh adds further depth and flexibility to the lineup.

(Jitesh Sharma's stats at no.6 for RCB)

• Romario Shepherd adds another layer of firepower as a bowling all-rounder and will likely play at no.7.
• Krunal Pandya, who played a crucial role in the IPL 2025 final, completes the all-rounders’ unit and will likely bat at 8. His ability to float in the batting order gives RCB tactical flexibility, while his left-arm spin will be crucial in controlling the middle overs.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy

• The bowling attack in RCB Playing XI, however, faced early setbacks just before IPL 2026. The absence of Josh Hazlewood due to fitness concerns for the first few matches and Yash Dayal’s unavailability mean added responsibility on the remaining bowlers.
• Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the attack. In IPL 2025, he took 17 wickets in 14 matches, at an economy of 9.28. New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy is expected to step in as Josh Hazlewood's replacement.

• In the spin department, young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma will spearhead the attack. With conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium often favouring batters, Suyash's ability to pick wickets in the middle overs could prove decisive in restricting opposition totals.

Best RCB Playing XI for IPL 2026- Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Duffy.

Impact subs: Devdutt Padikkal, Mangesh Yadav, Abhinandan Singh

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah's IPL 2026 Availability For Mumbai Indians Revealed After CoE Visit