IPL 2026: 3 players RCB underutilised this season

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2026, producing another dominant campaign built around a settled core and a well-balanced squad. The franchise retained much of its championship-winning unit and once again proved why consistency is often the key to success in T20 cricket.

While RCB enjoyed a memorable season, a few players arguably did not get the opportunities their performances deserved. Despite showing promising signs whenever called upon, these players were not utilised to their full potential throughout the tournament.

Here are 3 players who were underutilised by RCB in IPL 2026:

3. Suyash Sharma

Young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma falls into the category of underutilised players. Featuring in 12 matches, he picked up nine wickets and showed flashes of brilliance with the ball. However, he was frequently used as an impact player and often did not complete his full quota of overs.

Considering his wicket-taking ability and knack for troubling batters with his variations, skipper Rajat Patidar could have relied on him more in crucial phases of matches. With greater responsibility and consistent opportunities, Suyash might have delivered even better returns and played a larger role in the team’s title-winning campaign.

2. Jitesh Sharma

Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma is another player who may feel he was not fully utilised during the season. Known for his power-hitting and finishing abilities, Jitesh was often sent in during the closing stages of an innings, leaving him with limited deliveries to make a substantial impact.

Despite batting in challenging situations, he managed to score 116 runs in 12 innings. While those numbers may not appear extraordinary, they do not fully reflect his potential. A promotion in the batting order could have allowed him to play with greater freedom and contribute more significantly to RCB’s success. Given his aggressive approach, he could have been a game-changer in the middle overs.

1. Venkatesh Iyer

RCB acquired Venkatesh Iyer for INR 7 crore at the mini-auction, but the all-rounder had to wait for his opportunities during the early stages of the season. Once he broke into the playing XI, however, he made an immediate impact with his aggressive batting.

Iyer emerged as a dependable middle-order batter and was even promoted to open alongside Virat Kohli during the playoffs. In just seven matches, he scored 209 runs at an impressive average of 52.25 and a remarkable strike rate of 186.60. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate and play fearless cricket made him a valuable asset. Had RCB introduced him earlier and given him a longer run in the side, Iyer could have enjoyed an even more productive campaign.