Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has mentioned several problems which Royal Challengers Bengaluru needs to resolve before Indian Premier League 2026. The team will begin their season against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB will enter the season as defending champions after winning their first IPL title in 2025 under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar. The team needs to meet high expectations because they have to defend their championship title. Form of Key Players a Big Concern Pathan is mainly worried about the form of some important players in the team. Phil Salt who performed well during the previous season has struggled with his performance during recent times. He also failed to make a big impact in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 scoring just one half-century. Pathan considers Patidar's performance to be a more serious issue than Salt's current situation. The RCB captain has struggled in recent domestic matches. He scored only 67 runs in three games in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and 113 runs in seven innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Pressure on Patidar Pathan believes that Patidar will be under pressure as a captain. The leader needs to achieve excellent performance while directing the whole group. Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel: "This year they will have some challenges. Phil Salt is not in form. Even in the World Cup recently, he scored only one fifty. Rajat Patidar's form in domestic cricket has not been great either. As a captain, it is very important for you that you feel well. That will be a matter of concern." He Added: "This will be the real challenge for Rajat. You have set a level and now you have to maintain that. You will not have the services of your frontline pacer at the start. How will he stay calm then? It will all depend on that." Also Read | 119 India T20I Players, But Only One Never Played IPL – Find Out Who Josh Hazlewood Injury Adds to Trouble RCB might also miss the services of their main fast bowler Josh Hazlewood in the early matches. He is still recovering from a hamstring injury. The team will experience difficulties during the initial matches because his absence will create challenges. Tim David’s Form Also Questioned Another player Pathan mentioned is Tim David. The big-hitting all-rounder has also not been in his best form recently. Pathan said: "Tim David is also not in his usual form. It was not seen in the T20 World Cup. Yes, there will be better pitches in the IPL and these batters can regain their form. I am still not worried about their batting a lot." RCB Still Hopeful of Strong Start RCB maintains hope for a successful opening despite existing difficulties. The batting-friendly pitches in the IPL can help players return to form. The team wants to perform well at the beginning of the tournament to establish their confidence.