Washington Sundar To Join RCB? Former Players IPL Champions Could Target For 2026 Season

Players RCB could target [Source: @iplt20.com]

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were at their absolute best in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, as they captured their first-ever title after 18 attempts. The team had all the bases covered, as the Red Army defeated the Punjab Kings to etch their name in the history books. However, despite the title-winning campaign, the side still has a couple of areas for improvement.

The team lacked cutting edge in certain areas, and one way to improve the squad strength for the next season is to bring back former players who have played for RCB. 

Over the last few years, RCB has released several high-profile players and may be interested in bringing them back, either through a trade deal or in the IPL mini-auction. Here are 3 names the franchise could look to bring back ahead of next season.

1) Washington Sundar

Not many remember that Washington Sundar, the hero of the Manchester Test match, played for the Royal Challengers in the IPL. From 2018-21, Sundar donned the Red jersey and was one of their main players. However, injuries took a toll on him, and after a couple of poor performances, the spin bowling all-rounder was released.

Why Sundar will be a perfect buy for RCB

• RCB had almost all the bases covered, but they lacked wicket-taking ability in the spin bowling department. There was Krunal Pandya who grabbed wickets, but Suyash Sharma scalped just eight wickets in the 2025 season, and wasn't at his best. 
• Sundar is an exceptional spinner and could be the one to replace Suyash in the playing XI. Plus, he can also contribute with the bat, and it could benefit the RCB side.

2) Marcus Stoinis

When on song, Marcus Stoinis is a different beast altogether, and he also represented the Royal Challengers in the 2019 edition of the tournament. He played 10 matches and scored 211 runs, but was released shortly. Five years later, the Aussie all-rounder is a different beast altogether.

(Stoinis batting stats in last 3 seasons)

• As the table suggests, Stoinis has been exceptional in the last three seasons, and has contributed immensely for Lucknow Super Giants, and Punjab Kings, last season.
• Plus, he could be a direct replacement for Liam Livingstone, who was average in the IPL 2025 season. Stoinis could also contribute with his medium pace, and has the ability to take wickets at will.

3) Yuzvendra Chahal

RCB's dream signing would be Yuzvendra Chahal, the leading wicket-taker in IPL, and the highest wicket-taker for RCB as well. Throughout his IPL journey, Chahal was immense in RCB's success, and shouldered the bowling responsibility on his shoulder. After leaving RCB, he has continued to dominate the proceedings.

(Chahal stats after leaving RCB)

• Even after leaving RCB, four years ago, Chahal has continued to pile on wickets, and was also the leading wicket-taker in the 2022 IPL season. Quality spinners are tough to find, and the franchise should try and get him back.
• While Suyash Sharma did contain runs, he couldn't churn out wickets, picking up just 8. If RCB get Chahal, they will have a proven spinner in their ranks, who knows the Chinnaswamy Stadium at the back of his hands.

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