IPL 2026: Paddikal, Iyer dropped as R Ashwin reveals his RCB playing XI

Ravichandran Ashwin has given strong early support to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title defense, insisting that the franchise has built a team capable of adding another IPL crown in the next two seasons. Having ended a 17-year title drought in 2025, RCB enter IPL 2026 with the weight of expectations and the pressure that comes with being defending champions.

The 2025 mega auction saw RCB retain only Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal before rebuilding its list. The overhaul brought in key additions such as Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, giving the team a more balanced structure which helped the franchise win the much-awaited first IPL trophy.

Title-winning depth in RCB squad

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised the balance and depth of the team, emphasizing that it no longer relies on just one or two stars. “RCB can add another title in the next two years with this team. Winning the IPL is not easy, but the building blocks they have, the kind of like-for-like replacements they have,” he said.

Ashwin highlighted how RCB filled the previous gaps in their combination. “The way they filled the gaps in the combination. It’s a good package to finish top two,” he said.

For years, RCB has been criticized for being too reliant on star power. The post-auction rebuild changed that perception. The batting is now more flexible, the pace resources stronger and each player has a clearer role in the team.

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Foreign force and the absence of Hazlewood

Ashwin named RCB’s overseas contingent as one of the best in the tournament. “With Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, they’re probably the best four foreigners you can have, and it’s one of the best in the tournament,” he said.

Despite Josh Hazlewood’s injury leaving his availability uncertain for the start of IPL 2026, Ashwin believes this could work in RCB’s favor. “In all honesty, it’s a blessing in disguise for RCB. If they don’t have Hazlewood and they are concerned about Salt’s form, they can play both Salt and Bethell. And when Hazlewood comes back, you will have a clearer picture of the form of those and based on that, you can change,” he said.

Ashwin also noted the flexibility of the bowling attack. “If the bowling leaks a lot, they can leave Mangesh Yadav out and bring in Jacob Duffy or Hazlewood when he is fit. They have a team that can conquer home conditions and handle the ups and downs with bat and ball,” he said.

Ahwin’s likely RCB XI (given Hazlewood is unavailable):

Virat Kohli – Phil Salt – Jacob Bethell – Rajat Patidar – Jitesh Sharma – Tim David – Romario Shepherd – Krunal Pandya – Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Mangesh Yadav – Yash Dayal – Suyash Sharma (Impact Sub)

With this mix of experience and overseas firepower, Ashwin believes RCB is well equipped to defend their title and remain among the favorites in IPL 2026.