IPL 2026: Top 3 RCB bowlers to watch out for

Published - 20 Mar 2026, 16:09 IST | Updated - 20 Mar 2026, 16:09 IST

With the likes of Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar and Phil Salt in their ranks, it is easy to forget that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) possesses a strong bowling unit which played a crucial role in helping them win their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title last time around.

Last season, RCB had three bowlers in the top 10 highest wicket-takers’ list. This shows that amongst a host of superstar batters, the Bengaluru-outfit was helped equally by the bowling unit to help them win the elusive trophy.

With a strong squad last time around, RCB have made minimal changes to their personnel for 2026 and thus keeping the same core of bowlers that helped them achieve great things in 2025.

Not only for his bowling but also for his all-round skills, Krunal Pandya will remain RCB’s key to success during the 2026 IPL season. The spinner bowler was an unsung hero with the ball last time around, taking 17 wickets at an economy rate of 8.23.

Krunal’s spin gave RCB valuable control in the middle overs whilst also being a genuine wicket-taking threat. His best bowling figures of 4 for 45 came against the Mumbai Indians where his side secured a 12-run victory, their first win at the Wankhede Stadium in 10 years.

Krunal might not be the biggest turner of a cricket ball nor does he have a variety of mystery options at his disposal. The 34-year-old, however, is renowned for being extremely accurate and not giving much room to the batters to free their arms.