Irfan Pathan Picks RCB Playing 11: Padikkal’s Key Role?
Irfan Pathan Shares His Thoughts on RCB’s Playing Combination for IPL 2026
IPL 2026 is getting closer by the day. And the team selection debates are heating up fast. One of India’s most respected cricket voices has now shared a very interesting take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru. And his observations have got fans and analysts talking. Let us look at everything he said.
Pathan Expects RCB to Stick With Their Core
First of all, former India player Irfan Pathan has shared his views on RCB’s likely team combination heading into IPL 2026. And his main prediction is a very straightforward one. He opined that RCB would likely stick with virtually the same playing combination that served them so well last season. That makes a lot of sense. Why fix something that clearly was not broken? The same core group that delivered the IPL title last year will almost certainly take the field again in 2026.
Pathan Eager to See How Venkatesh Iyer Fits In
However, one particular selection question has caught Pathan’s attention. And it is a question that a lot of RCB fans are also asking right now. Pathan noted that he is very eager to see how the Bengaluru-based franchise accommodates Venkatesh Iyer in their playing XI. Venkatesh is a powerful and impactful player. But fitting him into an already settled and successful lineup is never straightforward. And Pathan highlighted a very specific concern that comes with that challenge.
Devdutt Padikkal Could Face Undue Pressure
Furthermore, Pathan pointed out that accommodating Venkatesh Iyer in the side could put undue pressure on Devdutt Padikkal. That is a very valid and very important observation. Padikkal played a key role in RCB’s title-winning campaign last season. But if the team needs to find a spot for Venkatesh, Padikkal could find himself under serious pressure to perform from the very first game. One or two bad outings could cost him his place in the side. And that pressure is something RCB will need to manage very carefully indeed.
RCB Ended Their Long Trophy Drought Last Season
Additionally, it is important to remember just how significant last season was for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. RCB ended their long and painful IPL trophy drought by beating Punjab Kings in the final. It was a thrilling finish. They won by just six runs. And that victory meant everything to the franchise and its passionate fanbase. It was the moment that an entire generation of RCB supporters had been waiting for.
RCB Added Eight Players at the Auction
Moreover, RCB did not rest on their laurels after that title win. They went into the IPL 2026 auction with a very clear plan. They bought eight new players to strengthen their squad further. Venkatesh Iyer was among those eight additions. And his arrival has immediately raised fascinating questions about how the defending champions will balance their squad going into the new season.
RCB’s Selection Decisions Will Be Fascinating to Watch
So, to sum it all up, Royal Challengers Bengaluru head into IPL 2026 as defending champions with a very strong core squad. But as Irfan Pathan rightly pointed out, the challenge of fitting Venkatesh Iyer into that already settled combination is a real and significant one. How RCB manage that situation could have a big impact on their title defense this season. And fans, analysts, and rivals will all be watching those selection decisions very closely indeed.
Irfan Pathan Reveals His RCB Probable Playing XI for IPL 2026 on Star Sports
Irfan Pathan went into great detail about Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Star Sports. And what he shared was both insightful and very honest. He covered the playing combination, the overseas slots, the injury concerns, and the squad depth. Let us look at every single thing he said.
Pathan Names His Four Overseas Players for RCB
First of all, Pathan was very clear and very specific about which overseas players he sees walking into RCB’s playing XI for IPL 2026. He did not hesitate. He named them straight away. And he also pointed out that the batting lineup would largely mirror what fans saw from RCB last season. During the Star Sports discussion, Pathan said:
“Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, Tim David and Josh Hazlewood, these are my four overseas players. Pretty much the same batting lineup, those 12 if you are talking about from the last season.”
That answer tells a very clear story. Pathan believes RCB’s core is settled. He believes the overseas combination is already sorted. And he expects continuity to be the key theme for the defending champions heading into IPL 2026.
Pathan Raises the Venkatesh Iyer Question
However, Pathan also identified one very interesting selection puzzle that RCB will need to solve. And it involves finding the right spot for their new signing Venkatesh Iyer in the batting order. Pathan believes Venkatesh will be very eager to perform on his home pitch in Bengaluru. But he also warned RCB about the potential consequences of accommodating him. Pathan added:
“I want to see how they get the left-hander in this playing 12. That will be Venkatesh Iyer because he will be actually coming in ready to go on this kind of pitch in Bengaluru. He wants to do well, but by doing that, they should not put too much pressure on Devdutt Padikkal.”
That is a very thoughtful and very balanced observation from Pathan. He wants to see Venkatesh succeed. But he also wants RCB to protect Padikkal from unnecessary pressure. Managing those two things at the same time will be a very delicate balancing act for the RCB management.
Pathan Praises RCB’s Squad Depth
Furthermore, Pathan did not stop at just picking the playing XI and raising selection questions. He also spoke very warmly about the overall strength and depth of RCB’s squad heading into IPL 2026. He acknowledged that the defending champions do carry some injury concerns. But he also pointed out that their backup options make them an even stronger unit than before. Pathan observed:
“What I really like about RCB is that there were only two or three guys before. Now the playing XI is ready. Yes, they have some major injury concerns going into the season, especially with Josh Hazlewood, as to how good he will come, but they still have good backups. That makes them even stronger.”
Those words paint a very encouraging picture for RCB fans. The squad is deeper. The options are more plentiful. And even if injuries strike, the defending champions have the resources to cope effectively.
Hazlewood’s Fitness Remains a Key Concern
Additionally, the Josh Hazlewood situation is clearly the biggest injury concern surrounding RCB right now. The Australian fast bowler is reportedly still awaiting clearance from the medical team. He has not yet joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp ahead of IPL 2026. That uncertainty around their premier fast bowler is something RCB will be monitoring very closely in the days and weeks ahead.
RCB Have Solid Backup Bowling Options
However, as Pathan rightly pointed out, RCB have not left themselves exposed in the bowling department. They have made sure that quality backup options are available within their 25-member squad. Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy both provide overseas specialist seam-bowling cover. If Hazlewood is not fully fit in time, RCB have capable and experienced alternatives ready to step in and fill that crucial role.
RCB Look Ready to Defend Their Title
So, to wrap it all up, Irfan Pathan has painted a very positive and very detailed picture of Royal Challengers Bengaluru heading into IPL 2026. The overseas slots look settled. The batting lineup looks largely unchanged from last season. The squad depth has improved significantly. And the management have backup plans in place for their injury concerns. RCB go into this season as confident defending champions. And based on everything Pathan has shared, they have every reason to believe they can go all the way again in IPL 2026.
Irfan Pathan Heaps Praise on Devdutt Padikkal Ahead of IPL 2026
The conversation about RCB kept getting better and better. And when the topic turned to Devdutt Padikkal, Irfan Pathan had some very exciting things to say. The former India all-rounder is clearly a huge admirer of what Padikkal has been doing recently. And his assessment was both detailed and very encouraging for RCB fans. Let us look at everything he said.
Pathan Full of Praise for Padikkal’s Recent Form
First of all, Pathan noted that Devdutt Padikkal has been in absolutely prolific form heading into IPL 2026. He did not hold back with his praise at all. He made it very clear that Padikkal is batting at a completely different level right now. And the numbers fully support everything Pathan had to say. During the same Star Sports discussion, Pathan said:
“He is scoring runs left, right, and center. He has actually had a really good season last year & scoring runs in domestic cricket as well. It looks like he has improved his game. There was a time when he was struggling.”
Those words tell a brilliant story of a young batter who refused to give up. Padikkal went through a difficult period. But he came out the other side a much better and much more complete cricketer. And Pathan clearly sees that transformation very clearly.
Padikkal Has Fixed His Technical Problems
Furthermore, Pathan went even deeper into his assessment of Padikkal’s development. He specifically highlighted the technical deficiencies that used to hold the left-hander back. And he made it clear that those problems now belong firmly in the past. The cricketer-turned-commentator observed:
“He was getting out lbw. He was actually blocking himself. Playing probably too early. Playing on the leg side too much as well, but that’s the talking point of the past. Now he is a different player. He is a very confident player as well.”
That breakdown is absolutely fascinating. Pathan has identified exactly what was wrong with Padikkal’s game before. And he has also confirmed that those issues have now been fully addressed. A technically improved and highly confident Padikkal is a very exciting prospect for RCB heading into IPL 2026.
Padikkal’s IPL 2025 Numbers Were Very Solid
Additionally, the statistics from last season back up Pathan’s glowing assessment of Padikkal very well. In IPL 2025, Padikkal scored 247 runs across 10 innings. He did so at a very healthy strike rate of 150.60. Those are solid and consistent numbers from a player who was finding his feet at the highest level of T20 cricket. And they show that he contributed meaningfully to RCB’s title-winning campaign last season.
Padikkal on Fire in Domestic Cricket Too
Moreover, Padikkal has not just been performing well in the IPL. He has also been absolutely on fire in domestic cricket. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, the Karnataka batter smashed an incredible 309 runs in just six innings. And he did so at a stunning strike rate of 167.02. Those numbers are truly extraordinary. They show a batter who is not just in good form but in the form of his life right now.
A New and Improved Padikkal Ready to Shine
So, to sum it all up, Devdutt Padikkal heads into IPL 2026 as a completely transformed cricketer. He has fixed his technical issues. He has scored runs consistently at both the IPL and domestic level. And one of India’s most respected cricket analysts is singing his praises loudly and clearly. If Padikkal carries this form into IPL 2026, he could be one of the standout performers of the entire tournament. And for RCB, that would be a very welcome and very exciting bonus on top of everything else they already have in their title-defending squad.
