Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has selected the best playing XI for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Despite minimal changes in RCB’s squad, the addition of players like Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, and Jacob Bethell, along with Devdutt Padikkal’s good form, has posed a selection challenge for the team management. Jaffer, in a video shared on X, has chosen Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell to open the innings, dropping Phil Salt due to his recent performance decline.
Jaffer has placed captain Rajat Patidar at number three and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer at number four to provide RCB with a left-hand right-hand opening combination. Tim David has been positioned at number five, with Jitesh Sharma as the wicketkeeper and finisher. The playing XI also includes all-rounders Romario Shephard and Krunal Pandya, known for their big-hitting abilities.
In his lineup, Jaffer has included Nuwan Thushara as a replacement for Josh Hazlewood, who will miss the initial matches of the season. The fast bowling department features Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal, with spinner Suyash Sharma designated as the Impact Player. Wasim Jaffer’s finalized playing XI comprises Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar, Venkatesh Iyer, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, and Yash Dayal.
