Ashwin’s Verdict: RCB’s Squad Depth Set for IPL 2026 Success
1 min read
Veteran cricketer R Ashwin has given Royal Challengers Bengaluru a massive thumbs-up for IPL 2026, predicting they have the mettle to secure another title soon. Calling their squad ‘leagues ahead in balance,’ Ashwin sees the IPL 2025 champions as primed for a golden run.
On his YouTube platform, Ashwin broke it down: ‘This RCB team can bag another IPL in the coming years thanks to unmatched replacement quality.’ He contrasted it with previous iterations overly dependent on a few stars, now boasting comprehensive coverage.
The mega auction reshaped RCB dramatically—keeping Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal while acquiring game-changers: Phil Salt’s aggression, Jitesh Sharma’s keeping prowess, Josh Hazlewood’s fire, Tim David’s power-hitting, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience. It’s a formula for consistency.
Even as Hazlewood nurses an injury for early matches, Ashwin is unfazed: ‘Flexibility is their superpower. From imbalance accusations to role-specific options everywhere—this is next-level squad building.’ His faith stems from their proven resilience beyond the recent triumph.
RCB’s campaign ignites on March 28 versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, and with Ashwin’s endorsement, expectations are sky-high. This could be the start of a trophy-filled chapter for Bengaluru.
