As the reigning champions enter the new season, former India opener and popular commentator Akash Chopra He shared his thoughts on the 11th game Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2026..
In his latest YouTube video, Chopra analyzed RCB’s retained core and built a balanced side focusing on experience, firepower and spin options, leaving out one of the team’s young overseas talents.
Odds for Aakash Chopra to play in RCB XI:
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Tim David
- Jitesh Sharma (Weekly)
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Jacob Duffy
- Mangesh Yadav
Impact player options: Rasikh Salam Dar or Suyash Sharma
Also READ: SWOT analysis of Royal Challengers Bengaluru: RCB’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
Why is Jacob Bethell running?
Although Jacob Bethell’s explosive form, including flaming 48-ball 105 in the year T20 World Cup 2026 In the semi-final against India, Chopra decided not to include the young England all-rounder in the final XI. Bethell was one of the 17 players retained by RCB, but Chopra favored team balance and cohesion over individual brilliance.
With four outer slots already taken by the explosive opener Phil Saltmiddle order batsman Tim Davidthoroughly Romario Shepherd and pacer Jacob DuffyThere was simply no room left for Bethell in this setup.
Chopra’s key observations
Opening Kick: Duz and Kohli form a strong, aggressive opening pair that can give RCB a quick start.
Moderate stability: Devdutt ranks 3rd ahead of other choices like Padikkal Venkatesh Iyer for better left-right balance. Rajat Patidar anchor No. 4 as captain.
Finishing power: Tim David and Jitesh Sharma provide the explosive lower-order batting RCB needs.
Comprehensive depth: Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya provide crucial balance with both bat and ball.
Concerns about bowling: Chopra noted that RCB’s attack may need to work harder this season, especially with Yash Dayal unavailable and Josh Hazlewood he probably missed the first few games. He expects Bhuvneshwar and Krunal to add to his wicketkeeping ability. The young pacer completes the pace attack along with Mangesh Duffy.
Chopra also made some bold predictions: Kohli is the top run-scorer for RCB and Bhuvneshwar as the team’s leading wicket-taker.
He gave RCB a realistic 30 per cent chance of retaining the title, but felt they should have a comfortable run into the playoffs if the batting clicks and the bowling is under pressure.
With the IPL 2026 season just days away, RCB fans will be keenly watching to see if the actual playing XI lives up to Chopra’s vision or if captain Rajat Patidar springs a few surprises, including the talented Bethell.
Also READ: Aditya Birla Group-led consortium acquires RCB in record-breaking deal ahead of IPL 2026.
