Jacob Bethell Out, 7 Crore Star In? RCB's Strongest XI Vs LSG- IPL 2026, Match 50

RCB likely to make two key changes [Source: AP]

RCB suffered a shocking loss against the Gujarat Titans in their last IPL 2026 game, and despite it, the team stands in a strong position in the points tally. Throughout the IPL campaign, the defending champions have shown great consistency, and now they face a stern test against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium.

RCB have played 9 matches in IPL 2026, and have won 6, and lost 3, as they stand at second position, with a healthy net run-rate. A win at the Ekana against a struggling LSG side would help their confidence and would also strengthen their position on the table.

However, the team still has plenty of chinks in its armour that need addressing. Ahead of the crucial IPL 2026 match against LSG, we take a look at RCB’s strongest XI, with a couple of key changes incoming.

RCB likely playing XI Vs LSG- Match 50

Openers and top order: Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal

Virat Kohli, even at the twilight of his career, is still fighting for the Orange Cap and has delivered the goods in the IPL 2026, so far. He has scored runs at a rapid pace, and will be the key player for RCB as they take on a pace-heavy LSG attack at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.

With Phil Salt injured, RCB tried Jacob Bethell at the top, and that move failed as the English star has failed to deliver the goods in the three matches that he has played. Instead of him, the RCB side could bring in a replacement at the top, and one of the prime contenders should be Venkatesh Iyer.

The franchise spent 7 crores on him, and he has warmed the bench in almost every game, barring the two. At the top, he can be an aggressive option, and can take the pressure off Virat Kohli.

Devdutt Padikkal, the hard-hitting batter and one of the most consistent RCB batter will continue to bat at number 3.

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

RCB has one of the strongest middle-order lineups in the entire IPL 2026, but so far, they have blown hot and cold. We have seen them perform in patches, but consistency is missing, and they need to find it before the LSG clash.

Rajat Patidar has looked solid in the ongoing season, while Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Krunal Pandya are hard-hitters as well. However, their biggest headache has been the form of Jitesh Sharma.

The keeper-batter has been badly out of form, and there have been calls to replace him from the playing XI. However, with Phil Salt out, there is no other prominent keeper in the side, and the management is likely to trust him against LSG.

Also Read: RCB Shockingly Bids Farewell To 18-Year-Old Loyalist With Emotional Video

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood

The best bowler of the IPL 2026, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the season (17), and will be the key for RCB on a seam-friendly deck at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

Another major change RCB could make is to include Jacob Duffy in the lineup, and go in with two overseas pacers (alongside Josh Hazlewood).

Throughout the season, the surface in Lucknow has witnessed lateral movement and extra bounce, and hence, the visitors could be tempted to go in with two overseas pacers, alongside Bhuvi, and Romario Shepherd.

RCB strongest XI Vs LSG- IPL 2026, match 50

Virat Kohli
Venkatesh Iyer
Devdutt Padikkal
Rajat Patidar(c)
Tim David
Jitesh Sharma
Romario Shepherd
Krunal Pandya
Jacob Duffy
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Hazlewood