India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his probable playing XII for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of their opening match in the Indian Premier League 2026, leaving out high-profile all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer. The decision has sparked discussion among fans, especially considering Iyer’s ₹7 crore price tag at the auction and his reputation as a match-winning player.
RCB, the defending champions, are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, picked a strong lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mangesh Yadav, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma.
A key factor influencing Ashwin’s selection is the absence of Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is expected to miss the opening games due to injury. Hazlewood, who played a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season, has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during the Sheffield Shield and is yet to fully recover, with his return timeline still uncertain.
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Ashwin suggested that Hazlewood’s absence opens up a contest among players like Jacob Bethell, Jacob Duffy, and Mangesh Yadav for a spot in the playing XI. He noted that team management would need to carefully balance their combination, particularly if they want to include Bethell, whose presence could strengthen the batting unit.
The veteran spinner also highlighted the importance of existing bowling options such as Yash Dayal in maintaining balance within the squad. According to Ashwin, RCB’s depth allows them flexibility, but team strategy and match conditions will ultimately determine the final composition for the opening clash.
Ashwin’s selection has added an early layer of intrigue ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with debates already emerging over team combinations and player roles. With key players returning from injury and new signings vying for opportunities, RCB’s opening match is expected to provide crucial insights into their campaign strategy and squad dynamics.
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