RCB Predicted Playing XI vs CSK, IPL 2026. Credits - APF
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will play their second game in the IPL 2026 after a long eight-day gap. After beating SRH, they will face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Sunday evening.
Although Bengaluru had a near-perfect chase, the bowling was a point of concern as they leaked 201/9. Jacob Duffy had a brilliant IPL debut with three for 22, but the rest of the bowlers were spanked left, right and centre by the SRH batters.
Meanwhile, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli and skipper Rajat Patidar were enough as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the total in a record time - 15.4 overs, the fastest in a 200-run-plus chase.
Ahead of the grand clash, let us look at what could be the RCB Playing XI vs CSK.
RCB Predicted Playing XI vs CSK, IPL 2026
Top Order: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal
Despite losing Phil Salt early, RCB will continue with the opening pair of Virat Kohli and Salt. Kohli had a spellbinding start to the season, finishing the chase with an unbeaten 69 off just 38 balls. Although Salt has been woefully out of form in recent times, RCB will back the Englishman to come back to form in the batting paradise of Chinnaswamy.
Also Read: Not Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma! 1st Name Confirmed In India Squad For 2027 World Cup
There was a debate whether Bengaluru should play DDP or Venkatesh Iyer at number 3, but Devdutt Padikkal shut all the talk with his marvellous knock of 61 runs in just 26 balls. He will retain his place in the RCB Playing XI vs CSK.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya
Rajat Patidar selects himself as Bengaluru's captain. He has started the season with a bang, hitting two fours and three maximums in his 31-run blitz. His deputy, Jitesh Sharma, who has a love-hate relationship with Chennai fans, scored a golden duck vs SRH. He will look to make a comeback against the CSK bowlers.
Tim David scored a 10-ball 16* as he finished off the game. He will be a crucial cog in the RCB Playing XI vs CSK. On the other hand, Romario Shepherd, who didn't get his batting in the last outing, returned with three wickets but only after giving 54 runs in his four overs.
Krunal Pandya was a disappointment and could only bowl two overs against SRH. The left-arm spinner will back himself against CSK’s batting, who have as many as five right-handers in their batting.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was good enough in the previous game, bowling an economical spell of 1 for 31. He will be lethal in the RCB Playing XI vs CSK in Josh Hazlewood's absence, despite the Aussie have started to bowl in nets.
Jacob Duffy, who played in place of Hazlewood, bagged the Player of the Match award on debut. He took three big wickets as he bowled his four overs straight. The Kiwi will again be a crucial part of this Bengaluru attack.
Abhinandan Singh had a rather sour start to his IPL career, despite taking Ishan Kishan's wicket. He might lose his place to the impressive Mangesh Yadav.
Suyash Kumar will likely be the Impact Player in the RCB Playing XI vs CSK.
RCB Playing XI vs CSK, IPL 2026
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy
RCB vs CSK Impact Players: Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, Venkatesh Iyer, Kanishk Chouhan, Jacob Bethell
Also Read: Pat Cummins Leaves SRH In Middle Of IPL 2026
