Hazlewood is out, so who will take command? Big change in RCB's playing eleven
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RCB Probable Playing XI: In the first match of IPL 2026, defending champion Royal Challengers Bangalore will enter with the intention of maintaining their title reign. In this match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar. Although Josh Hazlewood's fitness is a matter of concern for the team, but with the presence of stalwarts like Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB's playing eleven looks very balanced and dangerous.
RCB is going to defend the title under the leadership of captain Rajat Patidar.
New Delhi. Royal Challengers Bangalore is all set to play the opening match of IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad at their home ground M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. After winning their first title last year, RCB will take the field with even more confidence this time. However, in the very first match of the tournament, some big challenges have arisen in front of the team regarding the bowling combination. The biggest problem for RCB is the fitness of their main fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood is not completely match fit yet and his bowling practice has been lacking. Although the team has signed Kiwi bowler Jacob Duffy, he did not get a chance to play many matches in the World Cup. Due to which there is a question mark on his rhythm. In such a situation, RCB can rely on the depth of its batting.
RCB's batting line-up this time looks to be one of the most powerful attacks of the tournament. The team has a legendary opener like Virat Kohli, while the world's most dangerous 'power-hitters' like Tim David and Romario Shepherd are present in the middle order. Captain Rajat Patidar will take over his responsibility at number 3, while wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma can be seen in the role of finisher. To strengthen the batting, England's Phil Salt and Jacob Bethel can also be included in the team, who will fill the foreign slots.
RCB is going to defend the title under the leadership of captain Rajat Patidar.
RCB against Sunrisers Hyderabad Probable XI: To stop the explosive batting line-up of Sunrisers Hyderabad and take advantage of Chinnaswamy's short boundaries, RCB can go with this balanced eleven. Phil Salt (opener), Virat Kohli (opener), Rajat Patidar (captain), Jacob Bethel 5. Venkatesh Iyer 6, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David 8, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Mangesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Impact Player (Impact Sub): Suyyash Sharma (Spinner)
The onus will be on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya
With the arrival of experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB's bowling has strengthened with the new ball. Along with him, Krunal Pandya and Suyyash Sharma as impact players will work to control the rate of runs in the middle overs. Venkatesh Iyer and Romario Shepherd will provide additional bowling options to the team as all-rounders.
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Active in journalism for about 15 years. Studied from Delhi University. Interested in sports especially cricket, badminton, boxing and wrestling. Covered IPL, Commonwealth Games and Pro Wrestling League events. From February 2022…read more
