RCB’s whole playing XI is full of match-winners – Irfan Pathan
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all set to step onto the battlefield hoping to secure their second IPL title. RCB made significant ripples in the latest iteration of the mini-auction, headlined by signing Jacob Duffy, Jordan Cox and Venkatesh Iyer for the season.
Former Indian pace ace Irfan Pathan weighed in, stating that RCB looks stacked, including ample backups across all departments. Pathan also pointed out that how RCB’s entire team this year consists of match-winners who can run away with the game on their given day.
Speaking on JioStar, Pathan said, “What I really like about RCB is that earlier they used to rely heavily on Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle to win matches. That has changed now. Their whole playing XI is full of match-winners. That is a fantastic thing.”
Highlighting how RCB secured back-ups if needed, Pathan added, “But going into IPL 2026, RCB will have some injury concerns, especially with Josh Hazlewood's fitness. The good thing is they have secured good backups. The duo of Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy can cover well for Hazlewood if he faces fitness issues. That makes RCB even stronger."
