RCB won their maiden IPL title last year. Now the franchise doesn’t want to mess with success. Most players from that championship squad are coming back. Just a couple of additions here and there to plug gaps.
Rajat Patidar and Andy Flower trust four overseas cricketers for 2026. All of them came through big time when RCB needed them most. These 4 overseas players in the RCB lineup proved themselves. RCB just wants them to do it again.
- Phil Salt
Salt will definitely start as RCB’s overseas opener in 2026. He was brilliant last season and changed how RCB approached powerplay overs. His partnership with Virat Kohli was absolutely devastating for opposition bowlers.
Salt goes after the bowling right from ball one. This lets Kohli settle in and build his innings properly. That’s exactly what RCB needed to win matches consistently.
In 34 IPL games across three teams, he has scored 1,056 runs. His strike rate of 175.70 is exceptional. He’s also made 10 fifties, which shows he can play long innings too.
- Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood remains RCB’s most important bowler heading into 2026. The Australian brings accuracy, swing, and wickets throughout the innings. He’s basically the backbone of their bowling attack.
Bengaluru’s ground suits his style perfectly. Hazlewood keeps things tight with good length bowling. Unless he’s injured or rested, he’ll definitely lead the pace attack.
He’s grabbed 57 wickets in 39 IPL matches. His economy rate sits at 8.27, which is quite good.
- Tim David
With Livingstone gone, David becomes RCB’s main overseas finisher now. He’s not just there for quick cameos anymore. The team needs him to handle pressure situations regularly.
David’s best work happens during death overs when boundaries are crucial. His power hitting can change games quickly. RCB will count on him heavily while chasing big scores.
David has smashed 846 runs in 50 IPL games. His strike rate is a massive 173.36. He’s played for the Mumbai Indians and RCB so far.
- Romario Shepherd
Shepherd does two jobs for RCB, which makes him really valuable. He can whack sixes batting at number seven or eight. Then he bowls some decent medium pace too.
Last season’s title win had Shepherd’s fingerprints all over it. Having someone who bats and bowls makes captaincy much easier. The team’s hoping he repeats what he did in 2025.
In 18 IPL games, Shepherd smashed runs at a 212.64 strike rate. He’s also got 10 wickets to show for his bowling efforts.
Why These Four Matter
These 4 overseas players in the RCB lineup bring exactly what the team needs. Salt attacks early, Hazlewood controls the middle overs, David finishes strong, and Shepherd provides options.
