Take a look at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained and released players list ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the IPL 2026 auction as defending champions. They finally lifted their first title in 2025 under Rajat Patidar’s leadership. They defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, completing an 18-year wait. RCB had finished second in the league stage and went on to win Qualifier 1 and the final. Virat Kohli led their batting charts that season, while Josh Hazlewood topped the wicket tally for the side.
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The franchise has retained most members of its successful squad but released a handful of players to create space for new additions. Liam Livingstone, who was signed for Rs 8.75 crore but managed only 112 runs in 10 matches, is among the notable exits. Lungi Ngidi, Mayank Agarwal and three uncapped Indian players have also been let go.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released Players | Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, Mayank Agarwal, Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage, Mohit Rathee |
| Retained Players | Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Phil Salt (WK), Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara |
| Players Traded In | – |
| Players Traded Out | – |
| Vacant Slots | 8 |
| Remaining Purse | Rs. 16.40 CR |
| Full Squad Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction | Rajat Patidar (C), Virat Kohli, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Swapnil Singh Overseas: Tim David, Phil Salt (WK), Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara |
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