Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s vast experience is one of their biggest positives ahead of IPL 2026. The reigning champions have experienced players like Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer and Krunal Pandya.
The renowned commentator noted that RCB also have depth and explosiveness in their batting unit. The defending champions decided to retain 17 players ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction and acquired players like Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Mangesh Yadav.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “Lots of experience from Phit Salt to Virat Kohli to Josh Hazlewood, when he is available, Tim David, even Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya – there is plenty of experience available. I see that especially as a strength for them.”
The renowned commentator said RCB has a potent batting unit and it has become even more formidable after Venkatesh Iyer’s arrival.
“Even if you see the batting now, you would say batting has depth and explosive ability. They are already proven cricketers, and they don’t need to change a thing. They have upgraded it a little. You will have Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, and then comes Devdutt Padikkal/Venkatesh Iyer,” the cricketer-turned-commentator observed.
Chopra said he would back Devdutt Padikkal ahead of Venkatesh Iyer for IPL 2026.
“My vote is for Devdutt at the start, but Venky’s option is available. Then captain Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya. This is a serious batting powerhouse. You will have to agree that batting has the might,” he added.
The former Delhi cricketer said RCB also have a strong bowling line-up and they would look to make the most of their resources.
“In bowling, when Josh Hazlewood is available, they have done very well. They have combined all five fingers to make a fist. Everyone’s role has been clearly defined, and they have actually lived up to every single plan. A plan is only as good as its execution. If you don’t execute the plan well, it doesn’t matter how good a plan it is, but they executed it well. Everyone did that,” he said.
The former KKR batter said RCB bowlers were given a clear-defined role by the management in the previous season.
“Where and how Bhuvneshwar Kumar had to bowl, what Josh Hazlewood had to do, what role was given to Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, how much Romario Shepherd had to bowl, all of that was done beautifully. Yash Dayal also had a role in that. Role clarity is very, very apparent, which I think is a strength,” Chopra observed.
RCB will begin their IPL defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on 28th March.
