Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2024 WPL champions, have confirmed their core four retentions for WPL 2026 and released a long list of players to refresh the squad ahead of the November 27 mega auction in New Delhi. The decisions clearly show a focus on leadership, balance, and bowling depth at the auction.
RCB WPL 2026 Quick Summary
- Total Retained: 4
- Purse Spent on Retentions: ₹8.85 crore
- Purse Remaining for Auction: ₹6.15 crore
- RTM (Right to Match) Cards: 1
- Auction Goal (likely): Strengthen strike bowling and add middle-order stability around the settled core
Read Also:- WPL 2026 Schedule: Time Table, Teams, Squad, Venue
RCB Retained Players (With Prices)
| Player | Role | Retention Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | Captain / Top-order Batter | ₹3.50 crore |
| Richa Ghosh | Wicketkeeper / Middle-order Hitter | ₹2.75 crore |
| Ellyse Perry | World-class All-rounder | ₹2.00 crore |
| Shreyanka Patil | Off-spinner / Middle-overs Control | ₹0.60 crore |
Why these four?
This combination gives RCB a stable spine: a captain-opener (Mandhana), a powerful finisher-keeper (Ghosh), an elite all-rounder (Perry), and a match-winning Indian spinner (Patil). It covers leadership, intent, and control—three pillars for T20 success.
Purse, RTM & What It Means
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Auction Purse | ₹15.00 crore |
| Spent on Retentions | ₹8.85 crore |
| Purse Remaining | ₹6.15 crore |
| RTM Cards Available | 1 (can buy back one released player by matching the highest bid) |
Reading the numbers: With ₹6.15 crore and 1 RTM, RCB have enough flexibility to secure 1–2 key targets (especially bowlers) and then fill role-specific gaps with value picks.
RCB Released Players (Full List)
RCB WPL 2026 Indian (released):
Sabbhineni Meghana, Nuzhat Parween, Kanika Ahuja, Raghvi Bist, Sneh Rana, Asha Sobhana, Ekta Bisht, VJ Joshitha, Jagravi Pawar, Prema Rawat, Renuka Singh
RCB WPL 2026 Overseas (released):
Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Charlie Dean, Kate Cross
The scale of releases—especially multiple overseas all-rounders and spinners—signals a strategic reset to rebuild bowling resources through the auction and potentially use the RTM card smartly if bidding allows.
What RCB Did Right (Editorial View)
- Kept the Championship Core Intact
Mandhana–Perry–Ghosh–Patil covers top order, finishing, all-round value, and Indian spin—a balanced foundation. - Protected Flexibility
By retaining four (not five), RCB preserved 1 RTM and a healthier purse than they would have had with five retentions. - Clear Bowling Reboot
Releasing several overseas bowlers suggests RCB will target strike pace and versatile spin at the auction to pair with Shreyanka.
What RCB Likely Need at the Auction (Role-wise)
- Powerplay Strike Bowler for early wickets
- Death-overs Specialist (pace with yorkers/variations)
- Middle-order Stabiliser who can bat 4/5 and rotate under pressure
- Floaters/Finishers to support Ghosh and Perry in end overs
- Backup Indian Spinner to complement Patil and manage matchups
(These are role needs inferred from the retention and release pattern you provided.)
You Can See Also:- WPL 2026 Retention List
RCB WPL 2026 Retention Snapshot (One Table)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Retained (4) | Smriti Mandhana (₹3.50 Cr), Richa Ghosh (₹2.75 Cr), Ellyse Perry (₹2.00 Cr), Shreyanka Patil (₹0.60 Cr) |
| Released (highlights) | Devine, Molineux, Wareham, Garth, Graham, Wyatt-Hodge, Dean, Cross, Renuka, Sneh Rana, Asha Sobhana, Ekta Bisht |
| Purse Left | ₹6.15 Cr |
| RTM Cards | 1 |
| Focus Areas | Strike pace, death bowling, middle-order anchor, finishing depth |
Final Word
RCB have clarity and control: a trusted core, ₹6.15 crore in hand, and one RTM to play tactically. If they land a powerplay pacer and a reliable middle-order stabiliser, they’ll be well placed to recreate the 2024 magic and push deep in WPL 2026.
