IPL 2026: ‘Yash Dayal facing off field issues’ – Irfan Pathan picks RCB’s playing XI for the upcoming edition

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The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally shed the tag of perennial underachievers, securing their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025 after a grueling 17-year wait. As the defending champions prepare for the crucial IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16, every move they make is under scrutiny. The franchise, now starting a season from a position of strength, must focus not on building a team, but on perfecting the existing champion core led by Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar.

Amidst this anticipation, former India star Irfan Pathan has carefully analyzed RCB’s potential starting XI, confirming their formidable appearance but issuing clear warnings regarding potential weaknesses. While Pathan acknowledges that RCB look like a champion side and ready to play, he has issued a clear warning about the need for specific reinforcements in the pace bowling unit, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exposed during a long tournament season.

Pathan notes that the decision to release high-value players like Liam Livingstone was made because they’ve plenty of overseas options in their established core, indicating a settled four overseas players. However, the potential workload on Australian quick Josh Hazlewood, who would have also played a lot of cricket, requires the franchise to invest in a quality substitute, as having a backup for Hazlewood will be essential.

Furthermore, the domestic pace unit faces questions regarding Yash Dayal, who Pathan notes hasn’t played any cricket since the IPL and is facing a lot of off the field issues, making an experienced domestic pacer backup crucial for RCB. This strategic advice focuses on mitigating risk and ensuring squad depth rather than chasing further stars.

“They’ve sent out Liam Livingstone because they’ve plenty of overseas options. Jacob Bethell will also not make the playing XI unless there is an injury. The only thing they’ve to keep in mind is Hazlewood would have also played a lot of cricket. So having a backup for Hazlewood will be essential. Also Yash Dayal hasn’t played any cricket since the IPL and is facing a lot of off the field issues. So having that backup is crucial for RCB. But they look like a champion side and ready to play.” Irfan said on his Youtube channel.

Also READ: “I’m very fond of him as a player, but…”: RCB’s Director of Cricket on Liam Livingstone’s release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Pathan has revealed his chosen starting eleven for the defending champions, relying heavily on the core group that delivered the 2025 IPL title. The XI is built around a balance of explosive Indian batting talent and established overseas match-winners, designed to capitalize on the consistency shown in their winning campaign. For the 12th place, Pathan went with leg-spinner Suyash Sharma.

Position player role

1. Virat Kohli – Opener – (Indian)2. Phil Salt – Wicketkeeper/Opener – (Overseas)3. Devdutt Padikkal – Top-Order Batter – (Indian)4. Rajat Patidar – Top-Order Batter – (Indian)5. Tim David – Finisher – (Overseas)6. Jitesh Sharma – Wicketkeeper/Finisher – (Indian)7. Romario Shephard – Pace All-rounder – (Overseas)8. Krunal Pandya – Spin All-rounder – (Indian)9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Pacer – (Indian)10. Josh Hazlewood – Pacer – (Overseas)11. Yash Dayal – Pacer- (Indian)

Also READ: IPL 2026: No home games for RCB at Chinnaswamy Stadium? Here’s what we know