IPL 2026 Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore Eye Consistency After Maiden Title Win Amidst Venue Changes and Key Absences

• Last Season's Achievement

Winner: After 17 years of failure and waiting, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally succeeded in winning their first IPL title. RCB created history by defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a thrilling final held in Ahmedabad.

• What's New in IPL 2026?

Cricket has returned to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. No matches had been held here since the game against Kolkata was canceled on May 17, 2025. 

Matches were halted here after 11 people died in a stampede outside the stadium during RCB's title celebration on June 4, 2025. Following infrastructure improvements at the stadium, and after approval from an expert committee, RCB will play 5 of their 7 home games here this season, with the remaining 2 games in Raipur.

• Team Status and New Signings

RCB has retained 17 players from last season. Among the new players, Venkatesh Iyer has been brought in for INR 7 crore, although he is less likely to secure a spot in the starting eleven due to a strong top order. 

All eyes will be on 23-year-old left-arm fast bowler Mangesh Yadav, whom RCB bought for 5.2 crore. He might replace the injured Yash Dayal. Similarly, Jacob Duffy, signed for 2 crore, is likely to play in the absence of Josh Hazlewood.

• Injuries and Absences

Josh Hazlewood will not be available for the initial phase of the season. Cricket Australia made this decision keeping his workload in mind. Furthermore, fast bowler Yash Dayal is completely ruled out of this season's IPL due to injury.

Probable Playing 12

1. Virat Kohli, 2. Phil Salt*, 3. Devdutt Padikkal, 4. Rajat Patidar (Captain), 5. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper), 6. Jacob Bethell*, 7. Tim David/Romario Shepherd*, 8. Krunal Pandya, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Suyash Sharma, 11. Jacob Duffy*, 12. Mangesh Yadav. (*Overseas Player)

• Focus for This Season?

It will be crucial how RCB starts the season in the absence of Hazlewood. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will have to lead the bowling attack, and the roles of spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma will be vital.

Mangesh Yadav, in particular, needs to be watched. He was the highest wicket-taker in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League 2025. RCB might surprise opposing teams by utilizing him from the initial games.

Some Interesting Statistics:

• Virat Kohli (2023-25) is the only player after Chris Gayle (2011-13) and KL Rahul (2020-22) to score over 600 runs in three consecutive seasons. Will he achieve this record for the fourth time?
• Romario Shepherd is one of only 5 players globally to score over 800 runs and take more than 40 wickets in T20 cricket since the last IPL.
• In the last two seasons, RCB's batting strike rate has been the best after Hyderabad.
• Last season, RCB's economy rate (runs conceded rate) was the second-best among all teams.