IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin Lavishes Praise On RCB.

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have the potential to add another title in their cabinet with their current squad in the remainder of the ongoing three-year Indian Premier League (IPL) cycle. The Rajat Patidar-led side won their first-ever trophy in 2025, and are among the early favourites for the upcoming edition.

RCB made a bold call to retain only three players after IPL 2024 season. Ace batter Virat Kohli, emerging bowler Yash Dayal, and future skipper Rajat Patidar were the only ones who made the list. After releasing some big household names like Mohammad Siraj and Glenn Maxwell, the franchise conducted a major revamp through the mega auction. The new look outfit, which included the likes of Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dominated the season to end the 18-year wait.

Ravichandran Ashwin Backs RCB to Win More Titles Along the Way. 

With the monkey off the back, and the squad arguably performing at its peak, Ravichandran Ashwin feels RCB would not have to wait too long for their next trophy. Speaking on his own You Tube channel, Ashwin said: “RCB can add another title in the next two years with this squad. Winning the IPL is not easy, but the building blocks they have, the kind of like for like replacements they have. The way they have addressed the holes in the combination. This is a good package to finish in the top two.” 

For the record, RCB  will begin their title defence on the opening day of IPL 2026 itself, with a home clash against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, March 28th in Bengaluru.

Ravichandran Ashwin labels Josh Hazlewood’s unavailability as blessing in disguise. 

RCB faces an early obstacle in their campaign as Josh Hazlewood is yet to join the squad and is likely to miss the opening set of fixtures in the season. The ace pacer has struggled with injuries over the last few months, and is still recovering and awaiting clearance. Ravichandran Ashwin, however, feels that this gives the franchise an opportunity to feature both Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell in the playing XI.

Speaking on his own You Tube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin said: “In all honesty, this is a blessing in disguise for RCB. If RCB do not have Hazlewood, and they are concerned about Salt’s form, they can play both Salt and Bethell. And when Hazlewood returns, you will have a clearer picture.” 

Ravichandran Ashwin concluded: “I don’t think Venkatesh Iyer will play at the start. Brother, look at their foreign players. Salt, David, Shepherd, and Bethell. My god, that is a serious top four overseas combination that you can get. Probably one of the best in the tournament.” 

RCB also has the option of replacing Josh Hazlewood with their other overseas pacers like Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy.

It remains to be seen what RCB does to their combination with Hazlewood likely to sit out for the first half of the tournament. Yes, Hazlewood missing is a huge news and blow for RCB but they have other back-up options to fill the void work out a combination. The options are decent but they are not of Hazlewood’s class and aura at all. But RCB still has a proper squad and will be a force to reckon with even without Josh Hazlewood.

Whether they can lift the trophy again or not remains to be seen, but they will be strong contenders for sure fighting hard. They should reach top 4 and will start their campaign against SRH on opening night on 28th March, 2026.

Also Read: IPL 2026: GT Aims For 2nd IPL Triumph.