Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) They have finally shed the tag of perennial underachievers and secured their first daughter Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025 after a tough wait of 17 years. As the defending champions prepare for the crucial IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, their every move is being scrutinized. The franchise, now starting the season from a strong position, should focus not on building a team but on improving the existing champion core Virat Kohli And Rajat Patidar,
Irfan Pathan on possible weaknesses ahead of IPL 2026 auction
Amidst this hope, former Indian star Irfan Pathan has carefully analyzed RCB’s probable starting XI, confirming their strong presence but issuing a clear warning about potential weaknesses. While Pathan admits that RCB look like a champion team and are ready to play, he has issued a stark warning about the need for specific reinforcements in the fast bowling unit, identifying weaknesses that could be exposed during the long tournament season.
Pathan said he likes the decision to release high-value players liam livingstone Was made because they have a lot of overseas options in the established core, which suggests a systematic four overseas players. However, the potential workload on the Australian is quickly Josh HazlewoodWho has also played a lot of cricket, the franchise needs to invest in a quality option, as it will be essential to have a backup to Hazlewood.
Moreover, the domestic pace unit faces questions Yash DayalPathan says that he has not played any cricket since the IPL and is facing many problems off the field, making the backup of the experienced domestic fast bowler important for RCB. This strategic advice focuses on minimizing risk and ensuring team depth rather than chasing further stars.
“They have sent Liam Livingstone out because they have a lot of overseas options. Jacob Bethel will also not be in the playing eleven unless there is an injury. The only thing they have to keep in mind is that Hazlewood will also have played a lot of cricket. So it will be important to have a backup for Hazlewood. Also Yash Dayal has not played any cricket since the IPL and is facing a lot of problems off the field. So it is important for RCB to have that backup. But they look like a champion team and are ready to play.” Irfan said on his YouTube channel.
Pathan predicts RCB’s playing XI for IPL 2026
Pathan has revealed his selected starting eleven for the defending champions with great confidence in the core group that will deliver the 2025 IPL title. The XI has been built around a balance of explosive Indian batting talent and established overseas match-winners, designed to take advantage of the consistency shown in their winning campaign. Pathan went with leg spinner for 12th position Suyash Sharma,
Post PLAyer Role
1. Virat Kohli – Opening Batsman – (Indian)
2. Phil Salt – Wicketkeeper/Opening Batsman – (Foreigner)
3. Devdutt Padikkal – Top order batsman – (Indian)
4. Rajat Patidar – Top order batsman – (Indian)
5. Tim David – Finisher – (Foreigner)
6. Jitesh Sharma – Wicketkeeper/Finisher – (Indian)
7. Romario Shepherd – Pace all-rounder – (Overseas)
8. Krunal Pandya – Spin Allrounder – (Indian)
9.Bhuvneshwar Kumar – fast bowler – (Indian)
10. Josh Hazlewood – fast bowler – (foreigner)
11. Yash Dayal – Pacer-(Indian)
Also read: IPL 2026: No home match for RCB at Chinnaswamy Stadium? Here’s what we know
