RCB's new reality: A star on the front, a target on the back

After 18 years, the chasers become the chased.

For most of their existence, Royal Challengers Bengaluru lived with the romance of pursuit: chasing big totals, chasing playoff spots, chasing that elusive championship. A lot has changed. They walk into IPL 2026 as the team everyone else wants to knock off the perch.

While the core that carried them to the 2025 title remains intact, the squad has been subtly refreshed. RCB acquired Venkatesh Iyer, adding heft to their Indian batting core. There are other signings like Jordan Cox, while prospects such as Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan appear to be longer-term investments.

RCB's 2025 triumph was built on depth rather than dependence. Their Nos. 5 to 8 produced the best combined average (31.45) and strike rate (167.40) in the tournament, a far cry from the days when the burden rested almost entirely on one or two stars at the top.

Probable XI: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd/Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma.

Injury/Availability Watch:

• Josh Hazlewood hasn't bowled competitively since November 10, with hamstring and Achilles issues. His availability and durability could shape RCB's title defence.
• Director of cricket Mo Bobat confirmed Yash Dayal will play no part in the season.

What they do better than most:
An attack led by Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dominated the Powerplay last season. RCB's pacers took the most wickets (25) while also delivering the best strike rate (20.3), lowest economy (8.27), and highest dot-ball percentage (43.7%).

A player that changes their ceiling:
Josh Hazlewood. His control of length and disconcerting bounce makes him a difficult proposition. Without him, the drop-off could be significant, especially with backup seamer Jacob Duffy still finding his feet.

Potential Weakness:
Spin. Krunal Pandya remains a great defensive spinner, but wickets from the slow bowlers have been harder to come by. Across the last two IPL seasons, RCB have taken the third-fewest wickets through spin while conceding 8.9 runs per over. Expect teams to test the middle overs, particularly against Suyash Sharma.

Season Opener:
RCB will open the season for the first time as champions. Their return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will also carry a note of remembrance, a night where reflection hopefully shares space with celebration.