RCB Squad Analysis for IPL 2026: Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy and the Blueprint to Defend the Crown

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) squad for IPL 2026 reflects a clear, calculated approach as the defending champions aim to retain their title rather than undergo another overhaul. RCB’s marquee pick was Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, snapped up for ₹7 crore, a buy that fills a long-standing top-order/middle-order requirement and adds tactical flexibility to Virat Kohli’s lineup.

In support of their bowling unit, RCB secured New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy at his base price of ₹2 crore, seen by management as a bargain acquisition and valuable depth behind frontline quicks like Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal.

The strategy went beyond headline buys, adding players such as Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, and a cohort of young all-rounders and wicketkeepers at economical prices to ensure reliable backup options across departments. RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, described the auction as focused on developing squad depth and competition for places, rather than splurging on unproven talent.

With a largely settled core retained from their 2025 title run, the additions aim to balance experience with depth, giving head coach Andy Flower and captain Rajat Patidar multiple tactical choices as RCB seek a historic back-to-back championship in IPL 2026.

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