EX-CSK opener snubs T20 World Cup hero, picks shocking overseas names for RCB

Former RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, who would not be part of IPL 2026, went on to pick the four overseas players for RCB's playing XI in 2026. He sidelined the likes of English youngster Jacob Bethell, who was seen in some sublime touch during the T20 World Cup earlier this month.

RCB will not have much dilemma on their overseas spots. Except for the selection of the opening pair, where they will have to pick between last season's star Phil Salt and in-form batter Jacob Bethell. Salt has lacked form severely for England in the ICC T20 World Cup.

Faf du Plessis picks Phil Salt over England's WC hero Jacob Bethell

Former South African batter Faf du Plessis advised RCB to stick to their overseas combination of English opener Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood. They were all part of the playing XI in the previous season in 2024.

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"I will go with Salt because of the combination they had last year with Virat and Salt. Salt's that explosive 50 runs off 20 balls, trying to get as many as he can. So, I would think they would go with him."

"Bethell, what he did the other night was an incredible knock in that World Cup semifinal. I would have Salt, Hazlewood, David, and Shepherd as the overseas options in the playing XI," du Plessis told ESPN Cricinfo.

However, he ignored the likes of Jacob Bethell, the English batting all-rounder who was the leading run-scorer for England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. He also sidelined the bowling options like Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy.

Former RCB captain backs Josh Hazlewood to return for IPL 2026

Though the former RCB skipper noted that Josh Hazlewood will be a crucial part of the RCB playing XI, he also considered his fitness to be a huge concern for RCB. According to recent reports, his availability is already under uncertainty, as he is currently recovering from multiple setbacks.

"I don't think Hazlewood will play every game for them. He was being talked about for the World Cup at one stage. So, you would imagine six months later, his body will be in a much better place," said du Plessis, noting that he will not play all games for RCB.

"When he was there, even when I was playing, we would have effective bowling attacks, and when you take him out, he leaves such a massive hole because he gets you wickets in the powerplay, he comes back, and he is excellent in the death. I think a lot of the team's success goes hand in hand with Hazlewood's availability," Faf du Plessis added.

Faf credited Krunal Pandya for RCB's maiden IPL triumph

South African batting legend Faf du Plessis, who led RCB during three seasons from IPL 2022 onwards, bemoaned not having an ideal finger spinner during his stint with the franchise. He credited the RCB management for having picked the all-rounder spinner, Krunal Pandya.

"For a long time, Chinnaswamy has been a very difficult home ground. In all the years that I was there, you couldn't try to plan for what you think are home conditions. It's so different all the time, and it is so batting friendly.

"The only difference that I have picked up is that you need a quality finger spinner, which I wish we had in our time. I remember us trying to trade a left-arm spinner; there are only about three or four in the IPL that are tested and proven," du Plessis added.

RCB, however, had Yuzvendra Chahal, the most successful spinner in the IPL over several seasons, yet they could not manage to win the title. RCB, on the other hand, will kickstart their campaign against SRH on the 28th of March in IPL 2026.

ALSO READ: "Had a few minor fitness concerns": MI head coach drops major update on Rohit Sharma's participation in IPL 2026