A new chapter in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s history was written in 2025 as the franchise finally clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, bringing an end to an arduous 18-year wait. Under the astute leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team delivered a truly remarkable campaign, culminating in a triumphant victory over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad to secure the coveted trophy.
As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches, RCB has opted for a strategic, albeit minor, overhaul of its seasoned squad. The previous season saw the inclusion of several veteran players, many of whom are now nearing the twilight of their professional careers. It appears that following the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, three key RCB players are likely to consider hanging up their boots from the IPL circuit.
Josh Hazlewood: The Injury-Plagued Pace Ace
Josh Hazlewood, affectionately nicknamed “HazleGod” by the passionate RCB faithful, has been battling a series of persistent injuries since November 2022. These recurring ailments, particularly to his hamstring and Achilles tendon, have unfortunately led to him missing significant tournaments, including the prestigious Ashes series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Despite his arrival in India and his presence within the RCB camp, lingering doubts surround his availability for the opening match of the upcoming season. Now approaching his 35th birthday, Hazlewood’s career trajectory is clearly pointing towards a potential retirement from professional cricket. His stated intention is to make IPL 2026 his final foray into the league, as he aims to prioritise and focus on extending his international career with the Australian national team.
Krunal Pandya: The High-Pressure Performer Facing the Clock
Krunal Pandya has carved out a reputation as a formidable performer, consistently delivering crucial contributions during high-stakes IPL encounters. The experienced all-rounder boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, having won three IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians before his stints with the Lucknow Super Giants and, ultimately, his move to Bengaluru. Pandya played an integral role in RCB’s championship-winning campaign last year.
However, the Baroda-born all-rounder, who is now 35, has observed a decline in his athletic capabilities, particularly noticeable in his bowling performances. Should his form falter during IPL 2026, the team may well look to Swapnil Singh as a replacement, placing Krunal among the players who could potentially retire after the season. Despite these concerns, Pandya continues to exhibit exceptional fitness, which translates into outstanding performances in the field.
Virat Kohli: A Legend’s Final Season and Future Ambitions
The final, and perhaps most significant, name on this list is Virat Kohli. The tournament’s all-time leading run-scorer remains in remarkable physical condition and continues to possess an insatiable appetite for runs. The IPL trophy, a long-cherished dream, became a reality for him in the previous season, a milestone that might subtly influence his drive to continue playing in the league.
Kohli has already stepped away from two international formats, now exclusively representing the Indian national cricket team in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His plan is to retire from the IPL following the 2026 season, with his primary objective being to secure the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027.
Even at the age of 37, Kohli consistently ranks among the fittest players in the RCB squad. The acquisition of the franchise by the Aditya Birla Group-led consortium could potentially signal the end of an illustrious and historic partnership between Kohli and Bengaluru.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to commence their IPL 2026 campaign with a fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28th, at their home ground in Bengaluru.
