Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has officially announced its full squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, following a series of strategic player acquisitions during the recent auction held in December 2025. The franchise, which has yet to secure an IPL title since its inception in 2008, aims to bolster its chances of success in the upcoming season with a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent.
The IPL, established in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has grown into one of the most lucrative and popular cricket leagues globally, attracting top talent from around the world. The league operates on a franchise model, with teams bidding for players in an auction format. RCB, based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has a passionate fan base and has consistently been one of the most followed teams in the league, despite not having clinched the championship.
In the 2026 auction, RCB focused on strengthening its bowling attack and middle-order batting, areas that have been identified as weaknesses in previous seasons. The franchise retained several key players from the 2025 season, including captain Faf du Plessis, who has been instrumental in leading the team since his appointment in 2022. Du Plessis, a veteran South African cricketer, has been a consistent performer for RCB, and his leadership is seen as crucial for the team’s aspirations.
Among the notable acquisitions in the auction was Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who was bought back by RCB for a significant sum after a successful stint with the team in earlier seasons. Siraj’s ability to take wickets in crucial moments and his experience in high-pressure situations are expected to enhance RCB’s bowling lineup. Additionally, the franchise secured the services of young all-rounder Shivam Dube, who has shown promise in domestic cricket and is anticipated to add depth to the batting order.
RCB also made headlines by acquiring Australian all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been in exceptional form in international cricket. Green’s versatility as a batsman and bowler is expected to provide RCB with greater flexibility in their playing XI. The franchise’s management expressed optimism about Green’s potential impact on the team, particularly in the context of the T20 format.
The squad also features several international players, including South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock and West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder. Both players bring a wealth of experience and skill to the team, and their presence is expected to bolster RCB’s chances in the tournament. The inclusion of young Indian talents, such as Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill, reflects RCB’s commitment to nurturing homegrown players while also seeking to compete at the highest level.
The complete squad for RCB in IPL 2026 includes:
1. Faf du Plessis (Captain)
2. Mohammed Siraj
3. Cameron Green
4. Quinton de Kock
5. Jason Holder
6. Shivam Dube
7. Prithvi Shaw
8. Shubman Gill
9. Glenn Maxwell
10. Wanindu Hasaranga
11. Harshal Patel
12. Dinesh Karthik
13. David Willey
14. Anuj Rawat
15. Rajat Patidar
16. Akash Deep
17. Siddarth Kaul
18. Shahbaz Ahmed
19. Kedar Jadhav
20. Mark Wood
The IPL 2026 season is set to commence in March 2026, with teams preparing for a grueling schedule that will see them compete in a round-robin format followed by playoffs. The tournament is expected to attract significant viewership, both domestically and internationally, as fans eagerly anticipate the clash of teams and the showcasing of cricketing talent.
The implications of RCB’s squad decisions extend beyond the immediate season. The franchise’s ability to perform well in IPL 2026 could influence its financial stability, sponsorship deals, and fan engagement. Success in the tournament is often linked to increased revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting rights, making the stakes high for the team.
As RCB prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on building team chemistry and executing strategies that can lead to a successful campaign. The franchise’s management has emphasized the importance of a balanced squad and the need for players to perform consistently throughout the tournament. With the full squad now confirmed, RCB fans are hopeful that 2026 could be the year the team finally lifts the coveted IPL trophy.
