As defending champions in the new season, former India opener and popular commentator Aakash Chopra Has shared his opinion on the playing eleven of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for IPL 2026..
In his latest YouTube video, Chopra analyzed RCB’s intact core and created a balanced side that focuses on experience, firepower and spin options, while leaving out one of the team’s young overseas talents.
Aakash Chopra’s probable playing 11 for RCB:
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- tim david
- Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- jacob duffy
- Mangesh Yadav
Impact Player Options: Rasikh Salaam Dar or Suyash Sharma
Also read: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
Why did Jacob miss Bethel?
despite this of jacob bethel Explosive forms, including flaming 105 runs in 48 balls In t20 world cup 2026 In the semi-final against India, Chopra decided not to include the young England all-rounder in his playing eleven. Bethel was one of the 17 players retained by RCB, but Chopra prioritized team balance and combination over individual talent.
The explosive opener has already taken four overseas slots Phil Saltmiddle order hitter tim davidall-rounder Romario Shepherd and fast bowler jacob duffyThere was no room left for Bethel in this setup.
Chopra’s key comments
Initial Punch: Salt and Kohli form a strong, aggressive opening pair who can give RCB fast starts.
Midrange Stability: Devdutt Padikkal gets the no. 3 spot compared to other options Venkatesh Iyer For better left-right balance. Rajat Patidar Anchor at number 4 as captain.
Closing Power: Tim David and Jitesh Sharma provide the explosive lower-order batting that RCB needs.
Overall Depth: Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya provide vital balance with both bat and ball.
Bowling concerns: Chopra said that the RCB attack may have to work harder this season, especially with Yash Dayal unavailable. Josh Hazlewood Will probably miss the initial games. He hopes that Bhuvneshwar and Krunal will carry on with their wicket-taking ability. Young fast bowler Mangesh along with Duffy completed the pace attack.
Chopra also made some bold predictions: Kohli is the highest run scorer for RCB and Bhuvneshwar is the highest wicket taker for the team.
He gave RCB a realistic 30 per cent chance of retaining the title, while feeling that if the batting was good and the bowling kept under pressure, they should comfortably reach the playoffs.
With the IPL 2026 season just a few days away, RCB fans will be keenly watching to see if the actual playing XI matches Chopra’s vision or whether skipper Rajat Patidar brings some surprises, possibly including the talented Bethel.
Also read: Aditya Birla Group-led consortium acquires RCB in record-breaking deal ahead of IPL 2026