Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Irfan Pathan Predicts RCB's Playing XI for IPL 2026
A former cricket player named Irfan Pathan has made a guess about who will be playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team in the next big cricket game, IPL 2026.
RCB just won their very first championship last year, so everyone is curious about their team.
Irfan thinks they really need another good fast bowler to help someone named Josh Hazlewood.
He's not sure if a player named Yash Dayal can do that job because he hasn't played much recently.
Even with this worry, Irfan still thinks RCB is a really strong team because they are the champions.
Irfan Pathan has predicted the playing XI for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for IPL 2026.
RCB will enter IPL 2026 as defending champions after winning their first title in 2025.
Pathan emphasized the necessity of securing a backup bowler for Josh Hazlewood.
He expressed doubts about Yash Dayal's suitability for the backup role due to minimal recent play.
Despite this concern, Pathan considers RCB to be a strong, champion side.
- Who
- Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan
- What
- Predicted RCB's playing XI for IPL 2026, identifying a need for a backup bowler for Josh Hazlewood.
- When
- Prior to the IPL 2026 auction
- Where
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Why
- To speculate on the team's composition for the upcoming season as defending champions and address potential weaknesses.
Need for Backup Bowler
RCB's Strength as Champions
Backup Bowler for Hazlewood
Need for Backup Bowler
Irfan Pathan highlighted the essential need for a backup bowler for Josh Hazlewood.
RCB's Strength as Champions
Pathan believes Yash Dayal is not a suitable option for this backup role due to his lack of recent play.
- Player Prediction
- Irfan Pathan has revealed his predicted playing XI for RCB for IPL 2026.
- RCB's Current Status
- RCB are the defending champions of the IPL, having won their first title in 2025 after a 17-year wait.
- Key Concern
- There is a need for a backup bowler for Josh Hazlewood.
- Player Assessment
- Yash Dayal is considered by Pathan to be unable to fill the backup bowler role due to limited recent game time.
- Overall Team View
- Despite potential issues, Pathan views RCB as a strong, champion side.