In IPL 2026, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the season with a few concerns. Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, who played key matches last season, is ruled out due to personal reasons.
Meanwhile, backup options Jordan Cox and Nuwan Thushara remain in the squad but face stiff competition for spots in the defending champions’ playing XI, making selection decisions more challenging ahead of the tournament. This situation could shape early team balance and strategy in the league.
Jacob Duffy Faces Selection Battle in IPL 2026 RCB Squad
As IPL 2026 gets closer, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru look strong, but not every player may get a chance. New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, bought for 2 crore rupees, was seen as a backup for Josh Hazlewood. He had a great T20I record with 35 wickets in 21 matches last year.
However, his T20 World Cup 2026 form was poor, taking only 3 wickets in 5 matches with an economy of 10.87. Because of this, RCB might prefer young options like Abhinandan Singh or Rasikh Dar. Along with Jordan Cox and Vihaan Malhotra, Duffy could struggle to find a place in the playing XI.
Jordan Cox Faces Tough Competition in IPL 2026 RCB Squad
As IPL 2026 begins, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s squad looks strong but also very competitive. Jordan Cox, who was bought for 75 lakh rupees in the auction, is known as an aggressive top-order batter and has impressed in tournaments like The Hundred. However, getting into the playing XI seems difficult.
The team already has Virat Kohli and Phil Salt as strong opening options. Last season, Salt scored 403 runs with a strike rate of 175.98 and an average of 33.58. Jacob Bethell also performed well, scoring 280 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026, including a century against India, making Cox’s chances limited.
Vihaan Malhotra Faces Strong Competition in IPL 2026 RCB
As IPL 2026 approaches, young talent Vihaan Malhotra enters Royal Challengers Bengaluru with promise and pressure. He impressed at the Under-19 level, scoring consistently in Youth ODI series against Australia and England, which earned him a 30 lakh rupees contract in the auction.
However, breaking into the playing XI will not be easy. RCB already has strong left-hand options like Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer, and Jacob Bethell, who bring more experience and form. With so many top-order choices available, Malhotra may find it difficult to secure regular chances this season.
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