The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are aiming to keep their winning streak alive. They plan to use player retention and add more talent from the player auctions.
While RCB management will maintain their current squad, they feel confident about covering all areas and achieving team balance. They also plan to take this opportunity to sign players who suit their style, which will result in some players being let go.
This blog will provide information about the expected RCB player retention before IPL 2026 and their strategy for the upcoming IPL Auction 2026.
RCB Squad in IPL 2025
Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the 2025 season with big ambitions, keeping their core intact and making impactful additions to strengthen both batting and bowling.
Take a look at how RCB finalized its squad for IPL 2025:
Squad
Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Mohit Rathee, Abhinandan Singh, Swastik Chikara, Manoj Bhandage
For IPL 2025, RCB retained core performers like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. Their retention focus was on stability at the top and domestic depth. In the auction, they then added firepower and balance through overseas signings like Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and strong bowling options to round out the squad.
RCB Player Retentions 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to strike a balance between holding on to match-winners and freeing up funds for strategic buys. Their retention decisions will depend on contracts, performance, and squad balance.
They are likely to retain main players who delivered in IPL 2025, while releasing overseas or underwhelming performers to refresh their squad.
Here is the expected player retention for RCB before IPL 2026:
- Batters & WKs: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma
- All‑Rounders: Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd
- Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Bethell
| Player | Reason for Retention |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Franchise legend, consistency, and experience |
| Rajat Patidar | Led the team effectively and was a dependable middle-order batter |
| Phil Salt | Provided stability at the top and strong performances |
| Tim David | Explosive finisher and T20 specialist |
| Devdutt Padikkal | Young Indian batter |
| Jitesh Sharma | Reliable wicketkeeper-batter option |
| Krunal Pandya | Experienced Indian all-rounder who offers balance and left-arm spin control. |
| Romario Shepherd | Overseas all-round option offering depth |
| Josh Hazlewood | Lead strike bowler and proven wicket-taker |
| Bhuvaneshwar Kumar | Veteran Indian pacer adding control and experience |
| Suyash Sharma | Young leg spinner |
| Swapnil Singh | Useful domestic seamer for rotation |
| Jacob Bethell | An overseas backup who strengthens batting depth |
RCB Expected Player Releases for IPL 2026
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, they are likely to let go of several players whose performance or cost no longer justifies retention. The goal is to free up salary cap space and improve the team balance.
Here are the likely players RCB will release ahead of IPL 2026.
- Liam Livingstone (All‑Rounder): Bought for a high price but failed to deliver — scored only 112 runs in 10 matches and barely bowled.
- Rasikh Salam (Bowler): Played very few games and took just one wicket; lacked impact relative to his cost.
- Mayank Agarwal (Batter): Had limited opportunity and returns in 2025; surplus to core batting needs.
- Nuwan Thushara (Bowler): Featured in only one match with minimal contribution; likely expendable.
RCB’s Auction Strategy for IPL Auction 2026
As defending champions, RCB will look to maintain stability and build on their winning formula rather than completely overhauling the squad. Their focus will be on retaining their core players who performed well in IPL 2025.
- RCB aims to strengthen specific areas like the middle order and pace attack by adding a few well-targeted players to complement the existing team.
- They will prioritize strategic, value-driven signings to support their balanced and experienced lineup.
- The team will focus on backing young Indian talents while ensuring their overseas players continue delivering impact performances.
- Overall, RCB plans a measured approach to the auction, combining continuity with selective improvements for another strong campaign.
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Conclusion: RCB is All Set to Retain the Core of their Squad for IPL 2026!
Royal Challengers Bengaluru want to keep their winning team strong for IPL 2026. They are keeping most of their best players to build on last season’s success. This will help the team stay steady and confident.
They also know they need to improve in some areas. They will look to add a few new players and support young talent. This way, the team will stay balanced and ready for tough matches.
Fans can expect RCB to play well again. With a mix of experience and fresh players, they hope to defend their title in IPL 2026.
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