IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Likely to Release Big Names Ahead of Mini-Auction

Being fresh from a historic IPL 2025 title win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction in a stronger position. The franchise had been under serious disappointment for a number of years but finally found glory under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, who fulfilled the long-dreamed void in Virat Kohli - that of holding the IPL trophy.

There will hardly be any major shake-ups; however, the Royal Challengers could still release some big-money signings who failed to justify their price tags last season. With the retention deadline of November 15 nearing, the defending champions are expected to make some smart decisions in order to create space for the next auction.

Likely Release Among Others Is Liam Livingstone

Some of the big names; Liam Livingstone, England all-rounder is one. Bought for ₹8.75 crore, Livingstone had a very poor IPL 2025, scoring just 112 runs at an average of 16.

Considering RCB's solid middle-order options like Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, and Krunal Pandya, the franchise may finally choose to release the English power-hitter to free purse money.

Indian Pacers Under the Scanner

Jolly Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be retained as they take around 39 wickets in the coming season; young Indian pacers, however, may be allowed to bid adieu.

Yash Dayal struggled with inconsistency during the latter stages of IPL 2025 and ran into certain off-field controversies as well.

Rasikh Salam Dar, who was bought for ₹6 crore in the 2025 mega auction, played only two matches for RCB and failed to create an impression.

The two are likely to be released, which would see such funds reclaimed by the franchise and placed back into the auction purse.

Budget Impact

If RCB will release Livingstone, Dayal, and Rasikh Salam, approximately ₹19.75 crore would be freed up to either try and sign emerging talents or fortify key depth positions in the squad.

RCB Retaining Their Core

The RCB is expected to retain their core line-up, which consists of a very powerful batting unit with a balanced bowling attack.

Probable retained players:

Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Suyash Sharma, Swastik Chikara, and Swapnil Singh, plus Manoj Bhandage.

Probable released players:

Liam Livingstone, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam Dar, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh.

This smart retention strategy is to allow RCB to keep the squad balance while freeing funds for tactical additions during the 2026 IPL mini auction. Minor tweaks will occur, not an overhaul, as the defending champions step up to chase back-to-back titles.

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