Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru arrive at the IPL 2026 with a solid squad. Rajat Patidar is set to lead the side and they have made a few exciting purchases at the auction. The preparations have already begun and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to play in the opening match of the IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad which will take place on 28th March. In their successful title run last season, RCB bowling played a huge part and they were excellent. With the 2026 IPL scheduled to begin this week let us look at their strongest bowling combinations.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood/ Nuwan Thushara - Lead pacers
Two of the most skillful bowlers with the new ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood will lead the bowling attack for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 season. They are excellent with the new ball and will also handle the death overs bowling for the team. In case Josh Hazlewood misses the initial games for the team then Nuwan Thushara can come into the side as a like to like replacement.
Yash Dayal and Romario Shepherd
Yash Dayal will bring in different variety with left-arm pace and had a very good season last year. Romario Shepherd will come in the middle overs and can also bowl the crucial overs in the latter half of the innings. Yash Dayal has picked up 41 wickets in his IPL career. These two pacers can complement well to the pair of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood.
Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya - Spinners
The spinners in the middle overs will play a crucial role. Leg-spinner Suyash Sharma has done well in the last season and along with left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya will play a key role. Krunal bowled really well in the 2025 IPL to win the trophy and overall, they have a really solid bowling line-up for the upcoming season. Tim David can provide a bit of part time off-spin if needed. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a very potent bowling attack for this edition.
