After finally ending their trophy drought and clinching the IPL 2025 title, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) enter IPL 2026 as the defending champions — with renewed confidence and a stable core under captain Rajat Patidar. The franchise’s management has chosen stability over overhaul, keeping faith in their winning combination while releasing a few high-cost and underperforming players to refresh the lineup for the upcoming IPL 2026 mini-auction.
RCB’s strategy for IPL 2026 is simple — retain the winning core, strengthen the bench, and fill specific gaps through calculated auction signings. Below is the complete RCB retained and released players list, along with the team’s official purse and auction strategy.
RCB Retained Players List for IPL 2026 (Official Confirmed)
RCB have retained their championship-winning core and released selected names mainly to free up overseas slots and salary space.
Retention Strategy Highlights:
- Leadership Core Intact: Rajat Patidar continues as captain; Kohli remains the batting pillar.
- Key Overseas Retained: Phil Salt, Tim David, Josh Hazlewood stay as part of the core group.
- Balanced Indian Unit: Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar solidify the XI.
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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 |
(Official releases updated: Swastik Chhikara OUT, Mayank Agarwal OUT, Liam Livingstone OUT, Manoj Bhandage OUT, Lungisani Ngidi OUT, Mohit Rathee OUT)
RCB Released Players List for IPL 2026 (Official)
RCB has officially released six players — freeing up overseas slots, domestic spaces, and salary for targeted auction picks.
| Player Name | Reason for Release |
|---|---|
| Liam Livingstone | High price; frees overseas slot |
| Lungisani Ngidi | Overseas reshuffle |
| Manoj Bhandage | Squad restructuring |
| Swastik Chhikara | Bench optimisation |
| Mayank Agarwal | Not in core plans |
| Mohit Rathee | Released for balance |
RCB Purse Remaining & Auction Strategy for IPL 2026
Official Purse Remaining: ₹16.40 Crore (8 slots available, 2 overseas). This gives RCB flexibility to strengthen key areas with impactful signings.
- Recruit a powerful overseas all-rounder to replace Livingstone.
- Sign an Indian express pacer to support Hazlewood & Bhuvi.
- Strengthen lower middle-order finishing options.
- Add one backup overseas quick for rotation.
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RCB Probable Squad for IPL 2026 (After Retentions)
RCB’s tentative squad for IPL 2026 looks balanced and competitive, featuring experienced match-winners and young depth options.
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Top Order | Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar |
| Middle Order | Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya |
| All-Rounders | Jacob Bethell |
| Pacers | Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| Spinners | Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya |
| Bench Options | To be filled via auction (8 slots remaining) |
Conclusion
With a stable leadership group, experienced batting core, and a clear strategy for strengthening key areas, RCB enter IPL 2026 well-prepared to defend their title. Their retention decisions reflect confidence in their core while smartly freeing up purse space for impactful signings at the mini-auction.
Note: This updated list includes all officially confirmed retentions, releases, and purse information ahead of the November 15.
