Last Updated on April 24, 2026 by Khabr Bite
The IPL 2026 is already creating excitement among fans, and RCB has built a strong and balanced squad this year. One of the most crucial factors of any IPL team is how they invest in players and the RCB IPL 2026 salary is clearly planned. From skilled stars to young players, RCB has spent its funds wisely to build a competitive squad.
Also, salaries are not just numbers; they show a player’s value, role and expected impact. In this, we present to you the top 10 highest paid players in RCB’s squad 2026.
Why IPL Salary Matters in Modern IPL
In modern IPL cricket, a player’s salary is basically linked to his performance hopes. In simple terms, if a team is investing heavily in a player, then it means they are expecting the player to deliver match winning performances. Talking about RCB’s salary distribution, it shows a mix of experience and fresh talent. The team has invested heavily in key players and also invested in emerging names. This balance helped them maintain stability in all the departments.
Top 10 Highest-paid players for RCB in IPL 2026
RCB’s highest paid players in IPL 2026 form the backbone of the team. At the top is Virat Kohli with a salary of ₹21 crore, followed by Josh Hazlewood with a salary of ₹12.5 crore and third spot goes to Phil Salt with a salary of ₹11.5 crore. As everyone knows, high salaries come with big responsibilities. Here are the top 10 highest paid players in IPL 2026:
1. Virat Kohli: ₹21 crore
Virat Kohli continues to be the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He has been a part of the franchise since the first season of IPL. He is retained by RCB in IPL 2026 as well, with a salary of ₹21 crore. In terms of role, Kohli anchors the innings and controls the tempo of the game. He is also known for building partnerships and performing under pressure.
Kohli is not just a player for the team; he acts as a leader figure in the dressing room. His experience and mindset help younger players perform better. Overall, his salary shows his importance in the RCB squad.
2. Josh Hazlewood: ₹12.50 crore
Josh Hazlewood is one of the most suitable fast bowlers in the RCB bowling lineup. His ability to manage the line length makes him effective in both power play and death overs. In IPL 2026, he is retained by RCB with a salary of ₹12.50 crore. This salary is very high compared to his previous contracts.
Before being in the RCB squad, he was part of the Chennai Super Kings in 2021 with a salary of ₹2 crore. Hazlewood’s role is to take wickets at the crucial moments and restrict the opposition run rate. He is mainly effective in high-pressure scenarios where control is needed.
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3. Phil Salt: ₹11.50 crore
Phil Salt is an aggressive wicketkeeper-batter who adds attacking intent at the top of the order. His fearless approach makes him one of the most exciting players in the RCB’s lineup. He is retained by RCB with a salary of ₹11.50 crore, which shows a massive rise in his IPL salary as compared to his previous contracts. In 2024, he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders with a salary of ₹1.50 crore.
His role is simple; he attacks bowlers early on and puts pressure on the opposition quickly from the very first over. His salary shows his importance as a game-changer, who can shift the match in RCB’s favour in a few overs.
4. Rajat Patidar: ₹11 crore
Rajat Patidar came as a replacement player for RCB, but last year, he captained the team and helped them win their first and only title. Also, he is one of the most dependable middle-order batters. He is also known as the spin king, as he plays spin simply. He is retained by RCB for ₹11 crore.
Patidar’s role is to stabilize the innings in the middle overs and score runs when needed. Also, as a captain, his importance goes beyond batting. He is crucial for on-field decisions and managing the team. Overall, his salary marks his growth from a replacement player to a leader of the team.
Also Read: From Prasidh Krishna to Sohail Tanvir: Complete IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008–2025)
5. Jitesh Sharma: ₹11 crore
Jitesh Sharma plays a crucial role as a wicketkeeper-batsman for RCB in IPL 2026. His aggressive batting style makes him highly effective in the last overs. He is retained by RCB at ₹11 crore, which shows a major rise in his salary from his earlier IPL salary contracts.
This Jump simply shows his value in the T20 format. In 2024, he was part of the Punjab Kings with a salary of ₹20 Lakhs. Jitesh’s role in the team is very crucial as he finishes innings strongly. Also, as a wicketkeeper, he adds balance to the team by serving in several ways
6. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: ₹10.75 crore
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an experienced medium-fast bowler with the ability to control and swing the ball. He is one of the core members of RCB’s bowling lineup. He is retained by RCB with a salary of ₹10.75 crore in IPL 2026. As compared to the previous season, his salary was a little less. RCB has shown faith in him and it reflects that he has a strong value as a senior bowler. Before RCB, he was part of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024 with a salary of ₹4.20 crore.
Bhuvneshwar’s role in the team is to take early wickets in the power play and control the run flow. Also, his swing bowling can impact top-order batters. His current salary shows his role as a reliable bowler who offers stability and experience.
7. Venkatesh Iyer: ₹7 crore
Venkatesh Iyer is a fiery all rounder who adds balance to the RCB squad. In IPL 2026, he was bought by RCB in the mini auction for ₹7 crore. He was the most expensive new signing of RCB in 2026. Previously, he was part of another franchise with a higher salary, which shows a slight decrease in his salary.
In the 2025 IPL, Venkatesh Iyer was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore. His role is flexible; he can bat in the top order and can also contribute with the ball. This makes him very useful in diverse match scenarios. His presence in both departments adds depth to the squad.
Also Read:From Prasidh Krishna to Sohail Tanvir: Complete IPL Purple Cap Winners List (2008–2025)
8. Rasikh Salam: ₹6 crore
Rasikh Salam is a young fast bowler. He brings pace and energy to the squad. He is retained by RCB with a salary of ₹6 crore in IPL 2026. Rasikh’s salary shows massive growth as compared to earlier contracts. Before RCB, he was part of the Delhi Capitals in 2024 with a salary of ₹20 lakhs.
Rasikh’s role is to offer pace choices and support the main bowlers. He is still growing but has shown promise in limited choices. His presence adds depth to the bowling attack. Overall, his salary shows his potential as a future match-winner.
Also Read: IPL History’s Longest Winning Streaks: KKR Lead Elite List, RCB & CSK Shine
9. Krunal Pandya: ₹5.75 crore
Krunal Pandya is an experienced all-rounder and has also played for the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. He is known for his consistency. He is retained by RCB for ₹5.75 crore in IPL 2026. This value is slightly lower than his peak IPL contracts. However, he is still very much valuable to the team.
Before RCB, he was part of LSG in 2024 with a salary of ₹8.25 crore. Krunal’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him very special, mainly in the middle overs. His experience adds stability to the team. Overall, his salary shows his role as a suitable all-rounder
10. Mangesh Yadav: ₹5.20 crore
Mangesh Yadav is a rising all-rounder who has grabbed attention in domestic cricket. He was bought for ₹5.20 crore in IPL 2026 by RCB. It is a big rise for an uncapped player. Previously, he did not have a major IPL contract. His major role is to offer all-around abilities whenever needed.
Currently, he is still growing but has strong potential and the team sees him as a long-term investment. Overall, his salary shows his potential instead of his current performance.
