Before IPL 2026, defending champion Royal Challengers Bangalore has suffered a big setback. The team’s fast bowler Yash Dayal is out of the entire season. The franchise has made it clear that he will not be available due to personal reasons. However, he remains under the contract of the team.

The biggest challenge for RCB now is who will replace him in the playing eleven. Because the team cannot release him, no new player can be added from outside. This means that RCB will have to look for options from its existing squad.

Mangesh Yadav: The biggest contender

The strongest name coming forward to replace Yash Dayal is Mangesh Yadav. He is also a left arm fast bowler, so the team can get the same angles and variety that Dayal used to give. Recently, his performance in the team’s internal matches has also been good, which has further strengthened his claim.

Rasikh Salaam: Specialist in death overs

The second big option is Rasikh Salaam. He is a right arm medium pacer and is known for his slower balls. His experience in T20 cricket is also very good. This bowler, who has taken 50 wickets in 42 matches, can be used especially in the middle and death overs.

Abhinandan Singh: Opportunity for youth enthusiasm

Abhinandan Singh’s name is also in discussion as the third option. He was a part of RCB’s title team last season. His performance in the UP T20 League was quite impressive. This bowler, who has taken 15 wickets in 11 matches, may get a chance, especially if the team shows confidence in the young players.

The challenge of balance before the team

Yash Dayal was an important player for RCB last season. In his absence, the team will have to change its bowling combination. Now it will be interesting to see whether the team management gives priority to experience or gives opportunities to young players. This time in IPL 2026, RCB will try to defend its title.

IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally fulfilled their dream in IPL 2025 after a long wait of 18 years and won the IPL trophy for the first time. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, the team performed brilliantly and won the title. However, now that the preparations for IPL 2026 have started, all eyes are on the retention and release list of RCB.

RCB does not seem to be in a mood to make large-scale changes this time, because the core squad of the team is very strong. Nevertheless, due to the poor performance of some players and the heavy price tag, their departure is considered certain.

Will the blame fall on Liam Livingstone?

The biggest name who can feature in the release list is England’s aggressive all-rounder Liam Livingstone. RCB bought him for Rs 8.75 crore, but he scored only 112 runs in IPL 2025. During this period his average was less than 16. RCB has in-form middle order options like Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethel and Krunal Pandya, so Livingstone could be released due to his hefty price tag.

There will be cuts among fast bowlers

RCB’s bowling unit was quite balanced in IPL 2025. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar together took 39 wickets, so it is certain that they will be in the team. At the same time, the sword is hanging on Indian pacers Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam Dar. Yash Dayal’s performance faded in the last matches of the season and he was embroiled in controversy even off the field.

Whereas Rasikh Salam, who was included in their team by RCB for Rs 6 crore, got a chance to play only two matches in the entire season. In such a situation, the team can leave him so that he can bid on better options in the mini auction.

Budget of about Rs 20 crore will be free

If RCB releases the trio of Livingstone, Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam, then their team will be left with a free fund of around Rs 19.75 crore. This budget will give them the freedom to bid on big players in the IPL 2026 mini auction.

Probable RCB Retention List

Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethel, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Nuwan Thushara, Suyyash Sharma, Swastik Chikar, Swapnil Singh, Manoj Bandhaje.

potential release players

Liam Livingstone, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salaam Dar, Mohit Rathi, Abhinandan Singh.