IPL 2026: Chopra Picks RCB XI, Omits Bethell and Iyer

March 27, 2026

New Delhi, March 27: Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has released his predicted playing XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2026. Notably, Chopra has left out Sam Billings Bethell and Shreyas Iyer, sparking discussions among fans and analysts about team strategy and balance.

Key inclusions and strategy

Chopra emphasized that his selection focuses on form, team balance, and adaptability in T20 matches. The predicted XI highlights:

• Strong opening pair for aggressive starts
• Flexible middle-order for stability and finishing
• All-rounders to strengthen bowling and batting depth

He noted that Bethell and Iyer, despite their talent, might not fit the envisioned team dynamics for this season.

Fan reactions and IPL 2026 anticipation

Fans have reacted strongly to the predictions, debating whether omitting experienced players like Iyer could impact RCB’s performance. With IPL 2026 just around the corner, team combinations and strategies are under intense scrutiny, making such predictions a hot topic among cricket enthusiasts.