Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has selected the best playing XI for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they gear up to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 opener. Despite minimal changes in RCB’s squad, the dilemma of choosing between players like Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, and Jacob Bethell, alongside the in-form Devdutt Padikkal, poses a challenge for the team management.
In a video analysis, Chopra addresses key selection dilemmas faced by RCB, emphasizing the decision between Padikkal and Iyer for the number 3 spot. Chopra suggests sticking with Padikkal due to his current form, despite Iyer offering a bowling option.
Chopra’s chosen XI excludes T20 World Cup centurion Bethell, opting for overseas batters and all-rounders like Phil Salt, Tim David, and Romario Shepherd. He advocates for New Zealand’s Duffy as the overseas fast bowler, leaving out Josh Hazlewood, who recently recovered from injury. Additionally, RCB faces the absence of Yash Dayal for personal reasons, with Chopra considering debutant Mangesh Yadav or Rasikh Salam as potential replacements in the playing XI.
