IPL 2026: Top 3 RCB batters to watch out for

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 17-year trophy drought by lifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 title, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. They will look to defend the crown in IPL 2026, having retained their core players and strengthened the squad through the mini-auction. 

The 19th edition of the IPL will begin on March 28, with RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB have a settled squad ready to dominate this season.

Here are top three RCB batters to watch out for in IPL 2026

Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar joined the RCB setup in IPL 2021, but he truly found his rhythm in 2022, scoring 333 runs in just seven innings at an average of 55.50 and a strike rate of 152.75. After missing the 2023 season, he returned stronger in 2024, delivering crucial runs for the franchise. In 2025, Patidar was appointed captain and led RCB to their maiden IPL title, scoring 312 runs in 14 innings, often in high-pressure situations.

Overall, in 42 IPL matches, he has scored 1,111 runs at an average of 30.86 and a strike rate of 154.30, including one century and nine fifties. His performance will be vital in IPL 2026 as RCB aim to defend their crown.

Phil Salt

England opener Phil Salt has been part of the IPL over the last three seasons. While his best came in 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders, his contribution for RCB in 2025 was exceptional. Salt scored 403 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 175.98, forming a crucial opening partnership with Virat Kohli.

Overall, Salt has amassed 1,056 runs in 34 IPL games at an average of 34.06 and a strike rate of 175.70, including 10 fifties. His ability to provide brisk starts at the top of the order will be key to RCB’s title defense.

Virat Kohli

Former RCB captain Virat Kohli remains the main batter to watch out for. Since his IPL debut in 2008, he has been a consistent top-order force for the franchise. His best season came in 2016, scoring 973 runs in 16 games at an average of 81.08.

Across 267 IPL games, Kohli has scored 8,661 runs at an average of 39.54 and a strike rate of 132.85, including eight hundreds and 63 fifties. His experience, consistency, and ability to anchor the innings will be crucial for RCB in IPL 2026, as fans and analysts alike expect him to lead the team from the front once again.