Why R Ashwin dropped ₹7 crore all-rounder from his RCB Playing 11 for 2026? Check his players lineup here

Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has issued a strong endorsement of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) prospects for IPL 2026, claiming the franchise has assembled a squad capable of securing back-to-back titles. Despite the franchise spending ₹7 crore on this player in the mega auction, Ashwin notably excluded the all-rounder from his projected playing XI, instead prioritizing a heavy overseas batting core and a flexible bowling attack featuring Mangesh Yadav and Yash Dayal.