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.

Indian star player Prithvi Shaw recently changed its domestic team. He used to play for Mumbai in first class cricket. But now he will be seen playing for Maharashtra. At the same time, Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Rasikh Salam has also changed the team. The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association demanded a no objection certificate. The association has approved Rasikh. Rasikh will now be seen playing for Baroda. Rasikh has also done well in IPL.

Talking to IANS, Anil Gupta, member of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, said, “We have given them NOC.

Rashikh had come under discussion since IPL 2024

Rasikh became a part of the IPL at the age of just 19. Rasikh was the first part of the Mumbai Indians team. After this, in the year 2022, he was included in the team by Kolkata Knight Riders. Rasikh got a chance to play only two matches in Mumbai and only two matches in Kolkata.

Rasikh was then included in the team in 2024 by Delhi Capitals in the year 2024. Rasikh got a lot of opportunities in the Delhi team. Rasikh also did well during this time. Delhi fed 8 matches to Rasikh. During this, Rasikh took 9 wickets at an average of 29.88.

First class career of Rasikh

Rasikh has not played too much matches in the first class. He has been able to play only 5 matches. During this, he has taken 13 wickets at an average of 25.23. At the same time, in 10 List A matches, Rasikh has taken 13 wickets.

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