Anil Kumble on how RCB's overseas players "make them really strong" ahead of IPL 2026

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all set to rumble in IPL 2026 as they kickstart their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on March 28th. RCB brought in a handful of substantial reinforcements: Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox and Venkatesh Iyer, alongside a crop of very talented youngsters. Talking on JioStar, former RCB captain, Anil Kumble highlighted that there is a lot of experience in the side which will be key for Andy Flower and his men.

He also highlighted how every position has a back-up for the Royal Challengers and that can lead to a lot of combinations which will eventually work out in favour of RCB. Kumble was also vocal that despite Venkatesh Iyer's dominance, he might have to wait for his chance due to the sensational strength of RCB's middle order.

Highlighting the Iyer conundrum, Kumble said, “I don’t think Venkatesh Iyer will be part of the playing XI at the start. You would want the same starting eleven that helped you lift the trophy after 18 years. Devdutt Padikkal should play in the XI. He missed the last few important games due to injury, but he is in outstanding form with the bat. He will take that impact player role when RCB bowl first.”

Shedding light on how RCB can make use of the impact player role to switch between Venky and their key leg-spinner, Kumble added, “Suyash Sharma will be the bowling impact player when RCB bat first. That is how they structured their line-up last season. Unless they look to go with an extra batter who can bowl at the start of the season, depending on how everyone is hitting in the nets and practice matches.”

Kumble further added, “Otherwise, I don’t see Iyer in the starting line-up. But he is a wonderful guy to have in the squad. Any time you need an experienced batter, he is there. He is a left-hander too and can switch with Padikkal if the need arises at any point in the new season.”

Explaining the overseas options for RCB, Kumble said, “Romario Shepherd and Tim David will start together in the playing XI. It is a must for RCB to have both of them playing at the same time. Both can finish games really well with the bat.”

He circled back to one of RCB’s key starting XI points, emphasizing how Jacob Bethell might be played. Kumble said, “There will be a lot of talk about how Jacob Bethell fits into the eleven, but Phil Salt will definitely start. If Josh Hazlewood is fit, he definitely starts. The two remaining overseas spots will be taken by Tim David and Romario Shepherd. That makes RCB really strong.”