Cricket punditry took an intriguing turn as Wasim Jaffer, the ex-India opener known for his sharp insights, dropped a bombshell with his predicted Royal Challengers Bengaluru lineup for IPL 2026. Shockingly absent is Phil Salt, the very player credited with explosive contributions to RCB’s maiden IPL triumph.
Choosing form over past heroics, Jaffer slotted Jacob Bethell alongside Virat Kohli to open the innings. Bethell’s heroics in the T20 World Cup 2026 – including a stunning ton in the semi-final clash with India – outshone Salt’s dismal run of 130 runs from eight outings.
Despite Salt’s impressive IPL 2025 campaign – 403 runs in 13 games, four fifties, an average of 33.58, and a strike rate touching 176 – Jaffer looked beyond. In a video shared on X, he meticulously built the team: Kohli and Bethell set the tone, Rajat Patidar (captain) at three, Venkatesh Iyer at four, Tim David at five, and Jitesh Sharma as wicketkeeping finisher at six.
Shepherd and Krunal Pandya provide all-round prowess, backed by a potent seam trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, and Yash Dayal. Suyash Sharma is earmarked as impact sub.
Complete XI: Kohli, Bethell, Patidar (c), Iyer, David, Sharma (wk), Shepherd, Pandya, Kumar, Thushara, Dayal. Impact: Suyash Sharma.
Jaffer’s picks signal a strategic overhaul, emphasizing consistency and big-match temperament. As IPL 2026 approaches, this fantasy XI has ignited passionate discussions on team evolution and selection philosophies.