•RCB aims to repeat their IPL 2025 trophy win under captain Rajat Patidar; first match against Hyderabad on March 28.
•Strengths include a formidable top order with Virat Kohli (657 runs last season) and Phil Salt, supported by key bowlers Josh Hazlewood (22 wickets) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
•Team boasts strong all-rounders like Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Venkatesh Iyer, and Jacob Bethell, enhancing overall balance.
•Key weaknesses are fitness concerns for fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, and a lack of depth in prominent leg-spin options after Liam Livingstone's departure.
•New additions like Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, and Mangesh Yadav join the squad, with Virat Kohli, Hazlewood, and Patidar identified as crucial players to watch.
