Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s playing XI for the upcoming IPL 2026. England’s in-form batter Jacob Bethell, who scored an unbelievable century in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against India, could not get a place in Chopra’s starting XI.

Chopra picked Virat Kohli and Phil Salt to open the innings for the defending champions. The renowned commentator wants Devdutt Padikkal to bat at one drop. 

The former KKR batter backed RCB skipper Rajat Patidar to bat at number four. Tim David and Jitesh Sharma bat at number five and six, respectively for Chopra. The reputed commentator picked Romario Shepherd at number seven and Krunal Pandya at number eight.

“What could be the XI? Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, that makes it your two openers. I will keep Devdutt Padikkal at the start. Venkatesh Iyer can wait. Rajat Patidar at No. 4, Tim David at No. 5, Jitesh Sharma at No. 6, Romario Shepherd at No. 7 and Krunal Pandya at No. 8,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

Chopra picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mangesh Yadav, and Jacob Duffy as the main bowlers. The former Delhi cricketer said either Suyash Sharma or Rasikh Salam Dar can play as an impact player.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar at No. 9, Jacob Duffy at No. 10, and you are seeing Mangesh Yadav at No. 11 at this point in time. It might be Rasikh Salam Dar. You can bring in Suyash Sharma as the 12th player, or you can use Rasikh Salam Dar like that. I think that will be their makeup,” he observed.

Chopra picked Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as RCB’s highest run-getter and wicket-taker respectively, for IPL 2026.

“Highest run-scorer this season, once again I am going with Virat Kohli. Who will pick up the most wickets? That is a big one. I think Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be their highest wicket-taker this year,” he said.