Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their first-ever title of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. After achieving their dream title, the team is now aiming
to do something that has only happened two times in this league, which is defending their title and becoming the 4th team to win multiple IPL titles. To achieve this feat, their bowling lineup could be key, like last year.
RCB’s Bowling Attack Could Be the Key to Defending Their Title in IPL 2026
RCB features a strong bowling lineup this season as well, featuring bowlers like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya.
Josh Hazlewood had been outstanding for the team last year. He took 22 wickets in 12 matches with an economy of 8.77. Both the spinners, Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, also fulfill their role well in the middle overs along with other bowlers. This was the key reason behind Royal Challengers Bangalore’s first IPL title.
This year, they have added Jacob Duffy to their squad, who adds more international experience. However, there are high chances that Josh will miss the entire season of IPL 2026 due to injury. If he is unavailable, Duffy can take his place.
The team also has Venkatesh Iyer and Romario Shepherd, who provide balance to this squad.
The bowling lineup of the RCB is looking very balanced this time also and could be key for the team to defend their title. However, Josh’s availability and spinners' form will be important.
RCB will play their first match of the season on 28 March against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings on 5 April at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Then they will travel to Guwahati to clash with the Rajasthan Royals on 10 April, and on 12 April, RCB will play the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium.
RCB full squad for IPL 2026:
Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Swapnil Singh, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Satwik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Vihan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, Jordan Cox, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Yash Dayal
