After finally ending their trophy drought by clinching the IPL 2025 title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter IPL 2026 as defending champions with renewed belief under captain Rajat Patidar. The team has chosen continuity over change, retaining its title-winning core while releasing a few high-value players ahead of the mini-auction.
RCB’s IPL 2026 Auction Plan – Focus on Core and Balance
RCB’s approach for IPL 2026 is straightforward: preserve the winning combination, add depth, and strengthen weak areas through selective signings. Below is the complete list of retained and released players, along with the franchise’s auction strategy and purse update.
RCB Retained Players List for IPL 2026
The management has backed most of its championship squad, combining international stars with reliable Indian performers.
Retention Strategy Highlights:
- Leadership intact: Rajat Patidar continues as captain, with Kohli and Hazlewood forming the leadership trio.
- Overseas power retained: Phil Salt, Tim David, and Josh Hazlewood stay as key match-winners.
- Domestic stability: Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar strengthen the local core.
RCB IPL 2026 – Retained Players List
| Player Name | Role |
| Rajat Patidar (C) | Batter |
| Virat Kohli | Batter |
| Phil Salt | WK-Batter |
| Jitesh Sharma | WK-Batter |
| Krunal Pandya | All-Rounder |
| Tim David | All-Rounder |
| Josh Hazlewood | Bowler |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Bowler |
| Suyash Sharma | Bowler |
| Jacob Bethell | All-Rounder |
| Mayank Agarwal | Batter |
| Swastik Chhikara | Batter |
| Manoj Bhandage | All-Rounder |
RCB Released Players Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
| Player Name | Reason for Release |
| Liam Livingstone | High price, low returns (112 runs in 10 matches) |
| Romario Shepherd | Inconsistent despite big hitting |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Couldn’t secure a top-order spot |
| Rasikh Salam | Minimal impact in 2 matches |
| Nuwan Thushara | Expensive spells, limited use |
| Swapnil Singh | Role overlap with Krunal Pandya |
| Abhinandan Singh | Freed up domestic slot |
| Mohit Rathee | Released for balance |
RCB Purse & Auction Strategy for IPL 2026
After releasing eight players, RCB is expected to enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction (December 15, 2025) with a purse of ₹18–23 crore.Â
Their management’s focus areas include:
- Target a left-handed finisher for the middle order.
- Add an experienced Indian pacer to complement Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar.
- Secure an overseas spinner as backup for Krunal Pandya.
- Continue investing in young domestic talent for long-term depth.
RCB Probable Squad for IPL 2026 (After Retentions)
| Role | Players |
| Top Order | Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Mayank Agarwal |
| Middle Order | Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya |
| All-Rounders | Jacob Bethell, Manoj Bhandage |
| Pacers | Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal |
| Spinners | Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya |
| Bench Options | Swastik Chhikara + domestic backups (post-auction) |
Conclusion: RCB Aim for Back-to-Back IPL Titles
RCB’s IPL 2026 strategy combines stability with smart flexibility. By retaining its proven match-winners and freeing resources for tactical signings, the franchise looks stronger than ever to defend its crown. With Kohli’s form, Patidar’s leadership, and a solid bowling unit, RCB’s ambition for consecutive IPL titles feels within reach.
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