Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has suggested major changes to the playing XI of Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. Zaheer believes the conditions at the venue could favour fast bowlers because of uneven bounce and has advised RCB to strengthen their pace attack by dropping either an overseas batter or an underperforming spinner.

RCB will be playing their second match at their adopted home ground in Raipur after narrowly defeating Mumbai Indians in a thrilling last-ball contest earlier this week. Analysing the surface conditions, Zaheer stated that the pitch appeared to assist seam bowlers and suggested that the Bengaluru franchise consider bringing in an additional pacer for the important encounter against Kolkata.

According to Zaheer, RCB could look at replacing either Romario Shepherd or Jacob Bethell in order to accommodate another fast bowler in the lineup. He specifically mentioned New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy as an option who could significantly strengthen the bowling attack under Raipur’s conditions. Zaheer noted that an overseas fast bowler could provide better balance to the team if the surface continues to assist seam movement and uneven bounce.

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The former India pacer also questioned the current form of spinner Suyash Sharma, who has struggled to make a major impact this season. Suyash has managed only seven wickets in 10 matches while maintaining an economy rate above eight runs per over. Zaheer suggested that the spinner could be rested because the Raipur pitch may not provide substantial assistance for spin bowling. He added that RCB have batting options such as Venkatesh Iyer available on the bench to compensate for any changes in the lineup.

RCB head into the match after an important victory over Mumbai Indians in Raipur. The side, led by Rajat Patidar, recovered from a difficult start in the chase after being reduced to 39 for three inside the powerplay. All-rounder Krunal Pandya played a match-winning innings of 73 runs from 46 balls to guide Bengaluru back into the contest before the team secured victory off the final delivery.

Earlier in that game, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a strong bowling performance with four wickets as Mumbai Indians were restricted to 166 for seven. Tilak Varma top-scored for Mumbai with a half-century, but RCB’s disciplined bowling attack kept the total within reach. With playoff positions becoming increasingly competitive in IPL 2026, RCB will now look to continue their winning momentum against Kolkata Knight Riders in another crucial fixture.

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