Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will enter the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League with high expectations after their historic title triumph. However, not everything appears perfect within the squad, as a few players have struggled to maintain consistency in recent T20 competitions.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 highlighting some worrying trends, RCB management will closely monitor the form of several key names. Here are three players whose recent performances have raised concerns ahead of IPL 2026.
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Phil Salt
Explosive England opener Phil Salt was among the standout T20 batters in 2025, delivering impressive performances for England and setting records along the way.
But his form dipped sharply during the T20 World Cup 2026, where he scored just 125 runs across seven matches. The aggressive batter struggled for rhythm and failed to convert starts into match-winning innings. RCB will hope he rediscovers his attacking form at the top of the order.
Venkatesh Iyer
All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer endured a disappointing IPL 2025 season with Kolkata Knight Riders, managing only 142 runs in 11 matches despite a massive price tag.
Although he showed glimpses of his hitting ability during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, questions still remain about his ability to consistently perform in high-pressure IPL matches.
Tim David
Australian big-hitter Tim David has long been known for his finishing ability in T20 cricket. However, injuries towards the end of 2025 disrupted his rhythm and forced him to miss the Big Bash League 2025-26.
His comeback during the T20 World Cup 2026 was underwhelming, as he scored just six runs in three matches. If RCB want to dominate again, they will need David to return to his destructive best.
