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Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter their IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians in Raipur with a strong position on the points table, but also a few uncomfortable questions.
RCB are still well placed in the playoff race, yet back-to-back defeats have cost them momentum and a top-two cushion. Their first game at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium comes at a tricky time, especially because Raipur has not hosted IPL cricket in a decade and conditions could take some adjusting.
Why RCB may still back Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell has not been able to replace Phil Salt’s impact at the top. The England all-rounder has scored only 43 runs in four innings and has been dismissed three times in the deep during the powerplay, despite the field restrictions. That is a concern because RCB need their opening pair to give Kohli support, not leave him carrying the innings alone.
Still, with Salt unavailable due to a finger injury and yet to return from England after scans, RCB may continue with Bethell. Jordan Cox is an option, but bringing him in would force a batting reshuffle. Devdutt Padikkal may have to open, Venkatesh Iyer could come in at No. 3, and RCB would risk disturbing a structure they have trusted for most of the season.
RCB’s management under Mo Bobat and Andy Flower has generally avoided panic changes. Even during their poor run in IPL 2024, they backed their plans before making a late charge to the playoffs. That history suggests Bethell may get another chance.
Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal remain crucial
Virat Kohli will again be central to RCB’s batting. With Bethell short of runs and the middle order not firing consistently, Kohli’s role becomes even more important. He will need to control the powerplay while also ensuring RCB do not lose tempo.
Devdutt Padikkal has been one of RCB’s biggest positives this season. Batting at No. 3, he has scored 316 runs in nine innings and has struck at 180.57. That kind of form gives RCB stability and aggression in the same package. Unless RCB make a major change, Padikkal should continue in that role rather than being pushed up to open.
Jitesh Sharma likely to retain place despite batting slump
Jitesh Sharma is another player under pressure. His batting returns have been poor, with only 64 runs in eight innings and a highest score of 23. For a wicketkeeper-batter expected to finish innings, that is not enough.
However, RCB are likely to keep faith in him. His wicketkeeping has remained solid, and Rajat Patidar has often spoken about how useful Jitesh is tactically. As vice-captain and a senior voice behind the stumps, he offers more than just runs.
There is also past evidence that RCB’s patience with Jitesh can pay off. In IPL 2025, he endured a similar quiet spell before producing a match-winning 85 off 33 balls against LSG in a chase of 228. His 10-ball 24 in the final against Punjab Kings also played an important role in RCB’s title win. That memory may keep him safe for now.
Middle order needs more runs
Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya and Tim David have all had useful moments, but RCB need more consistency from the middle and lower order. Patidar played a strong fifty-plus knock against LSG and nearly dragged RCB across the line. Krunal and Tim David have also provided timely contributions.
The concern is Romario Shepherd. He has not made a major impact with the bat and has also struggled when used as the sixth bowler. Still, his all-round skill set means RCB may stick with him, especially because late-season changes can unsettle balance.
RCB bowling unit still has match-winners
RCB’s bowling has won them several matches this season, but even that department has shown recent cracks. Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains their standout performer and currently holds the Purple Cap with 17 wickets at an economy rate of 7.64. His new-ball spells will be vital against Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton.
Josh Hazlewood, however, has had two expensive outings, going at economy rates of 12.25 and 14 in his last two matches. He was attacked by Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler in Ahmedabad, then by Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant against LSG. RCB will need him to rediscover control quickly because Mumbai’s batting is dangerous when allowed to settle.
Krunal Pandya has taken 10 wickets, while Hazlewood has nine. Rasikh Dar and Suyash Sharma should remain in the bowling mix, with Suyash likely to be used as the Impact Player depending on whether RCB bat or bowl first.
RCB strongest predicted playing XI vs MI
- Virat Kohli
- Jacob Bethell
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Krunal Pandya
- Tim David
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Rasikh Dar
- Romario Shepherd
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
Impact Player Options: Suyash Sharma, Mangesh Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer
Why this is RCB's best XI for MI
RCB could make changes, especially by bringing in Jordan Cox or Venkatesh Iyer, but their strongest XI still appears to be the one built around continuity. Bethell is struggling, Jitesh is short of runs, and Hazlewood needs a better outing, but changing too many things at this stage may create more problems than it solves.
Against Mumbai Indians, RCB need their trusted names to respond. Kohli must anchor the top order, Padikkal has to keep his aggressive No. 3 form going, Patidar needs to lead the middle order, and Bhuvneshwar must strike early. If Bethell or Jitesh finally produces a meaningful knock, RCB’s XI suddenly looks far more balanced.
For now, this is the strongest RCB combination: not perfect, but stable, familiar and still good enough to beat MI if their under-pressure players deliver.
