Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will approach the IPL 2026 auction with a clear intent to stabilize their roster while rebuilding key areas following a title triumph in the 2025 season. Their decisions at the IPL 2026 retentions was focused on maintaining a strong core and opening up auction flexibility to target crucial reinforcements.
RCB maintain their core strength ahead of IPL 2026 auction
RCB retained captain Rajat Patidar, star batter Virat Kohli, explosive opener Phil Salt and veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This group forms the backbone of RCB’s lineup, offering a mix of leadership, consistent run-scoring, and potent bowling. Retaining Josh Hazlewood underscores RCB’s dependence on his experience and bowling prowess.
However, RCB released a few prominent players such as Liam Livingstone and Lungi Ngidi to make room for fresh talent and better balance their squad. The release of these impactful overseas stars was seen as a strategic move to manage their overseas quota prudently and prepare for auction purchases of all-rounders and death bowling specialists.
RCB’s strategy for IPL 2026 auction
With considerable purse value remaining after retentions, RCB heads into the IPL 2026 auction with the financial muscle to bid for uncapped players. Remaining slots allow them to diversify their options, especially in developing young Indian talent alongside key international recruits.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Retention, Release, Trade and Purse
Players released: Liam Livingstone, Swastik Chikara, Tim Seifert, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Mohit Rathee, Mayank Agarwal
Players retained: Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Devdutt Padikkal, Nuwan Thushara, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Abhinandan Singh, Rasikh Dar
Purse remaining: INR 16.4 cr
Slots available: 8 (2 overseas)
