The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 title, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. They will look to defend the crown in IPL 2026, having retained their core players and strengthened the squad through the mini-auction.
The 19th edition of the IPL will begin on March 28, with RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB have a settled squad ready to dominate this season.
Here are top three RCB batters to watch out for in IPL 2026
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar joined the RCB setup in IPL 2021, but he truly found his rhythm in 2022, scoring 333 runs in just seven innings at an average of 55.50 and a strike rate of 152.75. After missing the 2023 season, he returned stronger in 2024, delivering crucial runs for the franchise. In 2025, Patidar was appointed captain and led RCB to their maiden IPL title, scoring 312 runs in 14 innings, often in high-pressure situations.
Overall, in 42 IPL matches, he has scored 1,111 runs at an average of 30.86 and a strike rate of 154.30, including one century and nine fifties. His performance will be vital in IPL 2026 as RCB aim to defend their crown.
