IPL 2026 | Wasim Jaffer's RCB XI: Phil Salt out; Jacob Bethell to open with Virat Kohli

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has picked his strongest playing XI for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which begins on March 28.While RCB have largely retained their core, a few notable additions — Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy and Jacob Bethell — along with Devdutt Padikkal’s impressive form in the lead-up to the season, have given the team management plenty to think about while finalising their XI.

In a video shared on X, Jaffer opted for former captain Virat Kohli and the in-form Bethell — who impressed in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2026 — as his opening pair. Notably, he left out Phil Salt, despite the Englishman playing a key role in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season.

Salt has struggled for form recently, managing just 130 runs in eight matches at the World Cup, including one half-century.Jaffer slotted skipper Rajat Patidar at No. 3, followed by all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer at No. 4, highlighting the importance of maintaining a left-right combination at the top.At No. 5, he picked Tim David, who has been a reliable middle-order presence for Australia, while Jitesh Sharma was named as the wicketkeeper and finisher.

The all-round department features Romario Shepherd — known for his power-hitting — and Krunal Pandya, who played a key role in RCB’s maiden IPL triumph.With Josh Hazlewood set to miss the initial matches, Jaffer included Nuwan Thushara in his XI. The pace attack is completed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal.Jaffer also named Suyash Sharma as the Impact Player.Wasim Jaffer’s RCB Playing XI:Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (capt), Venkatesh Iyer, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Yash DayalImpact Player: Suyash Sharma