The RCB administration can be thrilled, as two of their match-winning gamers from the victorious season of 2025 would possibly emerge as the largest burden for them, owing to completely different causes like damage, lack of kind, and others.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked many new gamers of their squad after releasing one or two gamers who did not appear to be the best-performing cricketers the final time. Led by Rajat Patidar, they picked gamers like Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, and plenty of different Indian kids.
They received their maiden title in 2025 after a protracted wait of 18 editions. They are going to be making ready for his or her maiden title defence this season and can kickstart their marketing campaign in opposition to the Sunrisers Hyderabad at their residence floor of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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3 gamers who’re RCB’s largest burden in IPL 2026
Venkatesh Iyer
One of many costliest Indian gamers within the historical past of the IPL, Venkatesh Iyer, was purchased for a whopping value within the mega-auction for IPL 2024. Nonetheless, after a failed season, the KKR workforce launched him forward of the mini-auction.
RCB acquired his providers as a batter for INR 7 crores. Regardless of his dip in value, Venky appears to be a weak hyperlink within the RCB aspect. The explanation for that is his poor kind throughout any format of the sport. Iyer has failed miserably with the bat, even in home cricket for his state workforce.
The batting all-rounder might be seen in a jersey aside from that of KKR for the primary time. Nonetheless, his position within the RCB workforce is to strengthen the middle-order batting within the absence of Liam Livingstone. Not helpful along with his medium tempo, Iyer could possibly be used solely as a batter, and if he flops in that division, the Challengers do not need many choices to exchange him.
Josh Hazlewood
One other lead pacer within the aspect, Josh Hazlewood, was their greatest participant when he picked probably the most wickets for the IPL-winning aspect. Having picked up these many wickets, Hazlewood was their match-winner with the ball.
He has picked wickets within the energy play with the brand new ball and has given RCB the higher hand. However, Hazlewood has additionally been remarkably economical within the loss of life overs for the RCB. In his absence, it might be very robust for gamers to fill his footwear.
The Australian has been out of cricket motion for the reason that Ashes sequence on account of a number of accidents. His return to the IPL has been blocked by these accidents, as he would miss out on the primary half of the competitors.
Although the Royal Challengers have Jacob Duffy as his backup, it might be an enormous burden for RCB, since they will neither launch the participant, on account of his significance, nor can they’ve his providers at the beginning of the competitors.
Phil Salt
Lastly, the English opener Phil Salt, who was one of many highest-scoring cricketers in 2025 for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The opener was their most dynamic batter and infrequently gave them splendid begins throughout the first six overs.
The explosive batter has not given away his batting fashion; nonetheless, he has been out of contact over the previous yr. Salt has lacked runs in worldwide in addition to franchise-level cricket, and this might be an enormous concern for the Royal Challengers going into the upcoming IPL version.
Additionally they do not need many backup gamers to exchange him within the taking part in XI. As an alternative, Virat Kohli may open with the English teenager Jacob Bethell. Nonetheless, selling Bethell or Devdutt Padikkal within the batting order will expose the weak spot of the center order to their opponents.
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