Former India batter Aakash Chopra noted that defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have minimal changes needed as they approach the critical phase of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). This comment comes ahead of their match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana International Stadium on Thursday, May 7.
RCB’s batting lineup has remained stable, with the only change being Jacob Bethell stepping in for the injured Phil Salt as an opener alongside Virat Kohli. Chopra doesn’t see any further adjustments needed in the batting order.
“I was trying to read, but I couldn’t find whether Salt is available or not. If Salt is available, play him. If he isn’t available, you’ll have to go with Bethell. You don’t have any other option,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Additionally, RCB has England batter Jordan Cox as another option at the top. If they choose to rest Bethell, they could open with Devdutt Padikkal and Kohli, moving Cox to the third position. Cox was the Player of the Tournament in The Hundred 2025, scoring 367 runs to help the Oval Invincibles (now MI London) win their third consecutive title.
Chopra also pointed out concerns regarding the poor performances of Romario Shepherd and Jitesh Sharma, who have scored just 56 and 63 runs this season. However, Shepherd has taken five wickets this season.
“So that is the only change I am envisaging. Apart from that, you can think about what you need to do with Romario Shepherd. Jitesh Sharma should come into form. That is the only area that hasn’t been addressed,” Chopra added.
RCB is currently in third place on the points table with 12 points. A victory in Lucknow would bring them closer to playoff qualification and a chance to retain their title.