New Delhi, March 21 – Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has selected his strongest playing XI for the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), which is scheduled to begin on March 28.
RCB has made only minor changes to their squad ahead of the new season, but the addition of Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, and Jacob Bethell, along with Devdutt Padikkal looking in good form, has created a challenge for the team management in selecting their playing XI.
In a video shared on X, Jaffer, who previously worked with Punjab Kings in the IPL, has chosen former captain Virat Kohli and young batter Bethell, who was in excellent form during the recently concluded 2026 T20 World Cup, to open the innings for RCB. He has also left out Phil Salt, who played a key role in RCB's victory last year. Salt has been struggling and scored only 130 runs in 8 matches in the World Cup, including a half-century.
The former India opener and domestic cricket veteran has placed captain Rajat Patidar in third position and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer in fourth, arguing that this creates a left-right combination at the top.
At No. 5, Jaffer has selected Tim David, who is performing well for Australia in the middle order, and Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper and finisher.
Romario Shepherd of the West Indies, who can hit big sixes, and Krunal Pandya, who played a crucial role in RCB's maiden IPL triumph, are the two all-rounders in his playing XI.
Jaffer, who has won Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai and Vidarbha, has decided to replace Australian Josh Hazlewood with Nuwan Thushara, who is expected to miss the opening matches of the season. He will be supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal in the fast bowling department. The 48-year-old has also selected spinner Suyash Sharma as the Impact Player.
Wasim Jaffer's playing XI: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (captain), Venkatesh Iyer, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Yash Dayal.
Impact player: Suyash Sharma.