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.