Royal Challengers Bangalore (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak)

Ravichandran Ashwin There has been strong early support for Royal Challengers Bangalore’s title defence, insisting the franchise has assembled a squad capable of adding another team. IPL crown in the next few seasons. Having ended their 17-year title drought in 2025, RCB are entering IPL 2026 with the weight of expectations and the pressure that comes with being the defending champions.RCB only retained in 2025 mega auction Virat KohliRajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal before rebuilding their roster. The overhaul included the addition of key players like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, giving the team a more balanced composition that led to the franchise’s long-awaited first IPL trophy.

Title winning depth in RCB team

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin praised the balance and depth of the team, and said it is no longer dependent on just one or two stars. “RCB can add another title in the next two years with this team. It is not easy to win the IPL, but they have the building blocks, they have the replacements as they go,” he said.Ashwin highlighted how RCB have overcome past shortcomings in their combination. “The way they have addressed the shortcomings in the combination. It’s a good package to be in the top two,” he said.For years, RCB has been criticized for relying too much on star power. The post-auction reconstruction has changed that perception. Batting is now more flexible, pace resources are stronger, and each player has a clear role in the team.

Foreign strength and Hazlewood’s absence

Ashwin described RCB’s overseas contingent as one of the best in the tournament. He said, “In Phil Salt, Jacob Bethel, Tim David and Romario Shepherd, this is probably the best four foreign players, and it is one of the best in the tournament.”Despite Josh Hazlewood’s availability being uncertain for the start of IPL 2026 due to his injury, Ashwin believes it could work in RCB’s favour. He said, “Honestly, it is a blessing in disguise for RCB. If they do not have Hazlewood and they are worried about Salt’s form, he can play both Salt and Bethel. And when Hazlewood comes back, you will have a clear picture about his form and based on that you can make changes.”Ashwin also noted the flexibility of the bowling attack. “If the bowling is leaking too much, they can drop Mangesh Yadav and bring in Jacob Duffy or Hazlewood if fit. They have a team that can conquer home conditions and handle the ups and downs with bat and ball,” he said.

Ahwin’s RCB probable XI (considering Hazlewood unavailable):

Virat Kohli – Phil Salt – Jacob Bethel – Rajat Patidar – Jitesh Sharma – Tim David – Romario Shepherd – Krunal Pandya – Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Mangesh Yadav – Yash Dayal – Suyyash Sharma (Impact Sub)With this mix of experience and overseas firepower, Ashwin believes that RCB are well-equipped to defend their title and be at the forefront of IPL 2026.