By Admin 
Before IPL 2026, the discussion regarding the batting order of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has intensified. RCB will play its first match against SRH on 28 March. Before this, there is suspense regarding the playing 11 of the team. The opening pair is considered almost certain, but a big question has arisen in front of the team management for the number three position. This place is caught in a tough competition between two batsmen.
Trust in Kohli and salt
The team’s most reliable batsman Virat Kohli will once again be seen opening the innings. The franchise has retained him for Rs 21 crore. England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Salt can open with him, who has been retained by the team for Rs 11.5 crore. Salt is known for his aggressive batting and has the ability to score runs quickly in the powerplay. This is the same pair that played an important role in helping the team win the title last season, so there is every possibility of continuing this combination.
Two strong contenders for number 3
There is a direct competition between two players to bat at number three – Devdutt Padikkal and Venkatesh Iyer. Padikkal had recently performed brilliantly in domestic cricket. He scored 721 runs in Vijay Hazare Trophy and his average was more than 100. His form has brought him to the forefront in the race for number-3.
On the other hand, the team has bought Venkatesh Iyer for Rs 7 crore. He is not only an aggressive batsman but can also bowl at medium pace. This additional skill makes him even more useful to the team. His strike rate against spin bowlers is considered good, which is very important in the T20 format.
Raina told Padikkal a better option
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, while giving his opinion on this debate, said that the team should field Padikkal at number-3. Although Raina admitted that the pitches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium may technically be more suited to Venkatesh Iyer’s power hitting, he believes that Devdutt Padikkal’s current domestic form – which includes several centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy – makes him a strong contender to retain a place in the playing eleven. Padikkal being a left-handed batsman is more beneficial for the team, because this will maintain the left-right combination in the top order.
‘Headache of plenty’ in front of the team
If Padikkal plays at number-3, then captain Rajat can come at number-5 in the middle order. Whereas Jitesh Sharma can provide stability to the team after a fast start by batting at number-4. RCB has many strong options in batting this time. This is the reason why it will not be easy for the team management to choose the final playing eleven.
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