Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are one of the most popular teams in the IPL. They are known for their strong batting lineup and star players. RCB won their first IPL title in 2025. This victory ended years of near misses and heartbreak.
With IPL 2026 around the corner, RCB aims to assemble a balanced squad of experienced players and emerging talent. The team looks to perform consistently, defend their title, and compete strongly in every match.
This article discusses the Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL Team 2026. It includes squad details, key players, probable playing XI, major records, and their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Owners
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is owned by United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of the British company Diageo. United Spirits gained full control of the franchise after Vijay Mallya left in 2016. Since then, it has handled RCB’s operations through Royal Challengers Sports Pvt. Ltd.
The ownership has concentrated on effective management, business growth, and brand development. This focus has helped RCB become one of the most valuable and competitive teams in the IPL, leading to their first IPL title in 2025.
RCB Squad for IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bangalore have kept their main winning squad from 2025 and picked up some important players in the IPL Mini Auction 2026. The team wants to improve their batting, boost their bowling options, and keep flexible all-round choices.
With this balanced plan, RCB is set to compete strongly and defend their IPL title.
Batters: Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli
Wicket Keepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Jordan Cox
All-rounders: Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Venkatesh Iyer, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan
Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Duffy, Yash Dayal
Key Players for RCB Ahead of IPL 2026
These are the key players for Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of IPL 2026, expected to lead the team and make a major impact throughout the season.
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB’s star player and highest run scorer in IPL, known for anchoring innings and building partnerships. |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Young opener with aggressive stroke play and the ability to provide strong starts. |
| Krunal Pandya | Experienced all-rounder offering balance with both batting and spin bowling options. |
| Phil Salt | Explosive overseas batter capable of changing the game quickly with his powerful hitting. |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Senior pacer with swing mastery and expertise in controlling the game in powerplay and death overs. |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – Records (IPL 2008-2025)
Royal Challengers Bangalore have been a strong and competitive IPL team since 2008. Here’s a look at their key records from 2008 to 2025, including top run-scorers, leading wicket-takers, highest totals, and other notable achievements that highlight the team’s performance over the years.
1. IPL Standings Every Year
| IPL Edition | Standings | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2nd | Winner |
| 2024 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2023 | 6th | League stage |
| 2022 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2021 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2020 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2019 | 8th | League stage |
| 2018 | 6th | League stage |
| 2017 | 8th | League stage |
| 2016 | 2nd | Runners-up |
| 2015 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2014 | 7th | League stage |
| 2013 | 5th | League stage |
| 2012 | 5th | League stage |
| 2011 | 1st | Runners-up |
| 2010 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2009 | 3rd | Runners-up |
| 2008 | 7th | League Stage |
2. Most Runs for RCB
| Player | Span | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 2008-2025 | 282 | 9085 |
| AB de Villiers | 2011-2021 | 157 | 4522 |
| Chris Gayle | 2011-2017 | 91 | 3420 |
| Faf du Plessis | 2022-2024 | 45 | 1636 |
| Jacques Kallis | 2008-2010 | 46 | 1271 |
3. Most Wickets for RCB
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yuzi Chahal | 2014-2021 | 113 | 139 |
| Harshal Patel | 2012-2023 | 80 | 99 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 2018-2024 | 87 | 83 |
| Vinay Kumar | 2008-2013 | 70 | 80 |
| Anil Kumble | 2008-2010 | 51 | 53 |
4. Highest Individual Score for RCB
| Player | Score | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 175* | PWI | 23 April 2023 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| AB de Villiers | 133* | MI | 10 May 2015 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| AB de Villiers | 129* | GL | 14 May 2016 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Chris Gayle | 128* | DD | 17 May 2012 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Chris Gayle | 117 | KXIP | 06 May 2015 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
5. Best Bowling Figures for RCB
| Player | BBI | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 5/5 | RR | 18 April 2009 | Newlands Stadium, Cape Town |
| Wanindu Hasranga | 5/18 | SRH | 08 May 2022 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Jaydev Unadkat | 5/25 | DD | 10 May 2013 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi |
| Harshal Patel | 5/27 | MI | 09 April 2021 | M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Samuel Badree | 4/9 | MI | 14 April 2017 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
6. Highest Totals
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 263/5 | PWI | 23 April 2013 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| 262/7 | SRH | 15 April 2024 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| 248/3 | GL | 14 May 2016 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| 241/7 | PBKS | 09 May 2024 | Dharamshala |
| 235/1 | MI | 10 May 2015 | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
7. Lowest Totals
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | KKR | 23 April 2017 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| 68 | SRH | 23 April 2022 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai |
| 70 | RR | 26 April 2014 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi |
| 70 | CSK | 23 March 2019 | M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| 82 | KKR | 18 April 2008 | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
RCB’s IPL Journey Through the Years
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joined the IPL in 2008 and quickly became one of the most popular teams. They are known for their strong batting line-up and star players, which have made them a fan favorite, even though they fell short of the title in the early seasons.
Over the years, RCB delivered memorable performances. Players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Dinesh Karthik made significant contributions. Despite reaching multiple finals, the team struggled to secure a championship until they finally won their first IPL title in 2025.
RCB’s journey, from initial struggles to becoming champions, shows their persistence, talent development, and smart planning. Now, they are set for IPL 2026 with a strong and balanced squad.
