RCB May Release 5 Key Players Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction – Who’s Out?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru likely to reshuffle squad for IPL 2026. Check the 5 players who may be released and potential new signings for next season.
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On June 3, 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended a long-standing curse of winning a trophy, securing the Indian Premier League title for the first time in their history. The victory came after the team had to endure a series of misses and disappointments for several consecutive years, but the franchise finally got rid of the hex under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. In a very tight final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB beat Punjab Kings by a slim margin of six runs, thus making it a historic day for the whole team and its fans.
Now, with IPL tournament 2026 scheduled to start in mid-March, the champions have to take important steps to keep the winning and the momentum. It is very likely that the team will adjust its roster, including releasing some players before the auction, since the franchise will want to spot and strengthen the key areas and at the same time let in some new talent.
Yash Dayal (India): The pacer from UP, who has played 29 matches and taken 28 wickets over two seasons, might be releases. A combination of inconsistency in performance and conducting on-field controversies may lead RCB to the conclusion that it is time to say goodbye.
Rasikh Salam (India): The pacer from J & K, who was purchased for Rs 6 crore, has not really been able to show his quality in formation. The franchise may look for more experienced Indian pace options, as Salam has only played in 2 games.
Liam Livingstone (England): The England all-rounder, secured for Rs 8.75 crore, failed to provide the team with the much-needed consistency. He scored a total of 112 runs and took just two wickets over 10 matches that made people doubt about his place in the squad which is meant to defend the title.
Lungi Ngidi (South Africa): The South African pacer Lungi Ngidi was very impressive in his very limited appearances taking four wickets in two games. However, fierce competition between foreign bowlers may be a reason for him to leave and look for chances in a different place.
Swapnil Singh (India): The veteran spinner Swapnil Singh at the age of 34 was not a part of RCB’s 2025 season. It is possible that the franchise would let him go so that they could give a chance to the younger spinners.
RCB’s management finds itself at a difficult crossroads; on one hand, they want to keep the core players while on the other, they want to attract new talent. With Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj making up the core of the squad, the team is not only concerned with doing well but is also eyeing the creation of a period of domination in the IPL.
